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Heading on a trip to Europe this year and deep in the planning stages? Now’s a great time to quickly review your itinerary and “trip strategy” to make sure that you’re not about to make any common mistakes that will add unnecessarily to your travel costs. From hotels to flights, rental cars and train tickets, there are several things to keep in mind before you hit “book”. Regular readers might recognize a few of these tips from posts in previous years (including last year’s “10 Ways to Save Before Leaving for Europe”). They’ve been…

In some ways this is unbelievable, simply because I never thought this day would come, but honestly, Kathmandu is looking better than ever. When I say “ever”, I am referring to the last two years I’ve been here, so not exactly “ever”, but you know what I mean. Figure of speech and whatnot. The main road in front of our house that has been dug up and dusty for over a year now, is finally getting paved (to some extent). Cement blocks have been laid down and the dust has settled (again, to some extent). There is still a long way to go before it’s finished, but…

It’s often been said that print is dead, but in recent years there’s been a magazine renaissance, with new, small-circulation titles popping up what seems like every month. Much to our delight, a large portion of these magazines are dedicated to covering travel, and they do so with beautiful layouts, striking covers, gorgeous photography, and unique features. We’ve selected 13 of our favorite indie travel magazines, all of which will are guaranteed to feed your wanderlust. Each one has a unique voice and style, but all of them will transport you to another place. By Annie…

By my standards, I’ve been traveling a lot. It’s been a draining and emotional couple weeks, and to make things more challenging, I’ve been fighting a head cold. I had already committed to attending American’s Annual Leadership Conference, but I wavered since I just wasn’t feeling great. In the end, I went, and I’m glad I did. I was able to experience the new American coach seat for the first time. It’s not bad. [Disclosure: American provided flights and hotel] I was originally going to fly on Tuesday and I had picked a flight on a 767 (pre-refurb, so…

Every year about this time, New Orleans slips into a beautiful period when the cold winds subside and the heat hasn’t quite made it to our doorstep. When this magical moment happens, grab your friends and hit up some great local shops and discover your new favorite picnic spot in NOLA. Both Breakwater Park and Lakeshore Drive offer sweeping views … Read the rest -» The post New Orleans Picnic Guide appeared first on GoNOLA.com.

Looking for some travel inspiration? Here are three new #TripLit reads that will transport you to a faraway place: > Wide-Open World,by John Marshall The Marshalls learn that six months of sweaty voluntourism draw them together as no family therapist ever can. Don’t miss the spider monkey encounter. > Peaks on the Horizon, by Charlie Carroll Two different journeys interweave in this memoir/escape thriller—one into and the other out of a fascinating but troubled Tibet. > Crow Fair, by Thomas McGuane This short story collection from a master captures the essence of Montana,…

An innkeeper, a painter, a bodhran maker. Almost 30 years ago on a chilly June night I stumbled into Ballinalacken Castle House Hotel in County Clare and came upon a gruff lion of a man with an unruly mop of hair who offered me a country welcome amid peat fires, heavy blankets, and flowing pints of Guinness. Denis O’Callaghan has endured my comings and goings at all hours, my crashing into his car, my insistent requests for more of his wife Mary’s unmatchable soda bread, nearly every year since. He has become as much a part of my visits to the west of Ireland as the nearby Cliffs of…

National Geographic Traveler columnist Heather Greenwood Davis is the magazine’s family travel advocate, guru, and soothsayer. Here’s her latest advice: Reader Question: Can my child fly on her own to visit her grandparents in Dallas? My Answer: Airline rules for unaccompanied minors vary, but most allow children ages 5 through 14 to fly alone domestically on direct flights. SeatGuru.com has a search engine that allows you to see the “minors” policy for a host of airlines. Expect to pay an extra fee ($100 to $150) on top of the airfare. Kids flying alone for the first time may…

She-crab soup might not look like much. But the history of this bisque-chowder hybrid is as rich as that of the city from which it hails. Before Charleston restaurants served up endless bowls of shrimp and stone-ground grits, John Martin Taylor—better known as Hoppin’ John, a nod to another beloved Southern staple—elevated South Carolina’s Lowcountry cuisine to high art with a scholarly cookbook in the early 1990s, digging up recipes thought to be lost long since the Civil War. In Hoppin’ John’s Lowcountry Cooking, the author traced Charleston’s famous first…

By Alexander McCall Smith Some years ago I started to write a serial novel, 44 Scotland Street, set in Edinburgh. In this series—now in its ninth volume—I wanted to explain why it was that this city should so beguile those who come to know it, why each morning makes me feel as if I am waking up to a continuing love affair with the place in which I live. There are many reasons why one should want to write about Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is one of the most artistically interesting cities in the world, in the same league as Florence or Venice. It sits between rolling hills and the…

Sunset magazine's inaugural wine cruise is as much about what happens on board as it is about the ports of call. The Western lifestyle magazine has selected four Mediterranean countries to visit during a weeklong sailing in August.

If you don't mind some hard work, here's a chance to secure a spot on a free houseboat trip on Lake Powell on the Utah-Arizona border. But act fast if you're interested, volunteer trips are filling quickly.

Check out one of Mexico's liveliest resort destinations on a five-night singles tour in Puerto Vallarta, known for its beaches, shops and restaurants. The excursion, arranged by the Singles Travel Co., includes a sunset cruise, candlelight dinner show and several group get-togethers....

If, during your Hawaii vacation, you find yourself and/or your family invited to a potluck barbeque by someone you’ve met here, there The post Hawaii Barbeque Essentials appeared first on Hawaii Aloha Travel.

Hawaii has been a melting pot of cultures since the early days of whaling and the plantation ere of the 19th century. The post American Roots Music Takes Hold in Honolulu appeared first on Hawaii Aloha Travel.

For visitors to Hawaii, luau productions are a fun way to experience the hula-dancing, smiling Polynesian trope most people around the world The post Taro Farmers, Back to Basics appeared first on Hawaii Aloha Travel.

“Volun-tourism” has exploded in popularity around the world, and Hawaii is no exception. For visitors interested in volunteering for a worthy cause The post Volun-tour! And Do Good appeared first on Hawaii Aloha Travel.

Photo: Lili Vieira de Carvalho 1. Last names come first. In Hungary, when people write their names or introduce themselves, their last name comes first. They say “Nagy Gábor vagyok” or “I’m Nagy Gábor.” This doesn’t mean people call each other by their last name; it’s simply the formal way of introducing yourself or presenting a name publicly. If I were Gábor’s friend I would just call him Gábor. It’s worth mentioning that other than Hungarians, worldwide only some Asian people present their names in this fashion. 2. Take my name, all of it. Sticking with the topic of…

WHENEVER a new piece by graffiti artist Banksy shows up in the world, people take notice. Now, thanks to Banksy, the world is once again looking squarely at Gaza after what feels like the first time since the Gaza war last summer. Israel’s 50-day military operation against Hamas killed more than 2,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, and turned much of Gaza City into rubble during the conflict. 72 Israelis also died, including 67 soldiers. You’d think that kind of devastation would be hard to forget. Apparently not. Back in October, world leaders and staff met up at a…

Photo: Sasha Kargaltsev 1. Up to 40% of homeless youth in New York are LGBT. The average age at which lesbian, gay and bisexual become homeless is 14.5. For Transgender youth it’s 13.5. 2. 58% of those have suffered sexual assault. 3. Many of these homeless youth subsist on “survival sex.” Instead of really trying to help these kids, older members of the community are just using them for paid sex. 4. The LGBT “community” is anything but. Why do you think it took so long for New York to legalize same-sex marriage? The “community” is extremely fractured and it took years to get…

Photo: National Assembly for Wales 1. You can never wear white — for reasons both practical (mud) and historical (it’s English). Unless you’re a Jack, in which case you need to have a word with yourself… 2. Once you know someone’s nationality, you have a pretty good idea what they’re going to ask you. If they’re English: “Do you speak Welsh? Do you like sheep?” Answer: “Yes, your mam’s a sheep.” If they’re Australian: “You’re shit at rugby mate?” (Upward inflection makes every Aussie sentence a…

You might know them as Horny Toad, but these folks have just recently gone through a rebranding and are now Toad&Co. (Apparently some people were offended by their old name.) Whatever you call them, I’m pretty darn happy they have just come out with a line of travel clothes. I visited REI recently and the salesperson was equally as thrilled and started showing me the hidden pockets found in each of the new pieces that REI carries. I was happy to try out their new Corsica Dress, mainly because I know it’s going to be a great travel piece for my trip to Maui in April. The low…

“That looks so Northwest!” That was my first response when I saw the Columbia Sportswear Suburbanizer rain jacket. Seriously. Doesn’t it totally look like something you’d see someone wearing in Seattle or Portland? Under normal conditions, I probably wouldn’t be wearing this jacket until March or April, but we’ve had unseasonably warm weather throughout February. (Sorry East Coasters who are buried in snow!) Even though the majority of our days have been sunny, we have had some rain which has given me the chance to test out this new jacket from Columbia…

The last time I went whale watching was more than 15 years ago in Alaska. We spent four hours following several pods of orca (killer) whales as they breached and taunted us to follow them. It was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life but was a memory I had tucked away and had nearly forgotten. Until I went whale watching in Cabo San Lucas, that is. Being out on the water with Cabo Expeditions brought back that same exhilarating feeling I had so many years ago. We arrived at Cabo Expeditions’ offices at the marina mid-morning. After checking in, we boarded a small zodiac boat.

I got in a little bit of trouble last year with Jon. I went to an event in D.C. with a group of travel bloggers. Many of them I had never met in person before and it was thrilling to spend time with these folks. There was an all-day event. There was a dinner. There was me with my iPhone and no external charger. I only had my USB charger but nothing to plug it into. And there was Jon in the hotel room wondering how my day was going. Well, dinner went on a bit. There was happy hour with appetizers. There was a sit down meal. There were speakers. And there was dessert. At some point my iPhone…

We haven’t done a giveaway in a loooong time but we’ve got a number of them lined up already for you throughout 2015. We’re going to change things up a bit this year and rather than giving only new subscribers the chance to win one of our giveaways, as a current subscriber, you now have at least one chance to be entered into this random drawing! (See below for deets.) To kick things off, we’ve got $110 in Chaco Cash (technically a promo code) for one lucky winner to make a Chaco shoe purchase. I likely do not need to tell you about Chaco footwear but in case…

Did you know that if you cruise in a mini-suite or higher on a non-luxury cruise line, that your TOTAL trip cost is about the same as the starting rates on a luxury cruise line? Regent Seven Seas Cruises has been leading the luxury cruise market toward almost 100% all-inclusive cruising. The upfront price includes everything from Shore Excursions to Roundtrip Air on a Regent Cruise, so if you look at the TOTAL out of pocket price on the Luxury Cruise is really close to the TOTAL trip cost of a mini-suite on a non-luxury cruise ship. Let’s look at the Regent Seven Seas Navigator to…

Yes, the brand new Quantum of the Seas moving to China sucks but as you can see from this aerial GoPro video of the Anthem of the Seas floating out for the first time that it will not be long before the Quantum of the Sea’s sister ship arrives to her home port in the US. Anthem of the Seas GoPro Drone Video As many of you know, I love GoPro Aerial Drone Cruise Ship videos. Here is the first Anthem GoPro Drone video: When is Anthem of the Seas Coming to US? On October 27th, 2015 the Anthem of the Seas will sail from Southhampton to Bayonne. Right now, the 8-night…

GoPro Cruise Video of the Week: Here at CruiseSource, we are doing a new weekly feature: The GoPro Cruise Video of the Week. GoPro Cameras are just about everywhere… and they are making their ways on to cruise ships. With some fancy editing and a soundtrack, they are doing an excellent job of show non-cruisers how much fun a cruise vacation is. So, each week… we will pick out a favorite GoPro Cruise Video. This week, our pick is the Carnival Breeze Part I by TB Brad. Why do I like this video? 1. When I think of a Carnival Cruise, I think of fun and dancing… and…

As social media manager for Travel Leaders Group, I’m managing the All Aboard Travel Facebook Sweepstakes. In their 3rd Annual Facebook Cruise Sweepstakes, they are giving away a free 8-nt Carnival Caribbean Cruise for 2 in an Oceanview Cabin. [official rules at bottom of post] In their 2015 Carnival Cruise Giveaway, All Aboard Travel is offering the opportunity to get BONUS ENTRIES. I shot a quick video below on how to get bonus entries for sharing the giveaway: How to get Bonus Entries in Carnival Cruise Sweepstakes In the All Aboard Travel 2015 Carnival Cruise Facebook…

A good friend of mine is taking his family on their first cruise this weekend. They are going on a 3-night Enchantment of the Seas Bahamas Cruise departing Port Canaveral, FL. He shot me this email this morning: So I guess I missed the time window to book things online in MyCruise Planner – is that going to be a problem with getting the drink package or setting up dinners? [he was a day late on completing MyCruise Planner] Couple questions: What time should we get there? Do food and drinks start once you get on the boat – so can you get lunch on the boat with your package if you…

I visited Newbiggin by the Sea, in south east Northumberland, on a sunny afternoon in late February. The first thing that struck me was the good availability of good parking spaces on the attractive high street. From there, it was a case of crossing the relatively quiet road over to the sea side and the […]Newbiggin by the Sea on a Sunny Winter Afternoon Tips on the best places to visit in Europe.

Pastry chef Johnny Iuzzini took a motorcycle tour around the Côte d’Azur in the south of France as part of the Le Méridien‘s ‘Éclair Diaries‘. Johnny was looking for inspiration for a new éclair that would embody the flavours of the region and bring a new twist to this traditional Parisian pastry. Johnny visited a candy maker, a […]The Côte d’Azur Éclair:

Spitalfields Market is located a five minute walk from Liverpool Street Station, very close to the Tune Hotel Liverpool Street where I was staying. The market is open seven days a week from 10am – 5pm. There are different themes every day.

‘The Institute of Sexology’ exhibition at the Wellcome Collection in London runs until 22 September 2015. You’re not allowed to take photos in the Institute, but the video below gives an outline of the exhibition. Having worked as an interviewer on the second National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles in 1999, I found the […]Visit the Institute of Sexology and See the New Staircase at the Wellcome Collection London Tips on the best places to visit in Europe.

Link: 8 Weeks of Online Business Training Bonuses: Get Naming Rights to My Firstborn A Ton of Great Bonuses When You Sign Up (Note: You’ll automatically receive the bonuses when signing up at the above link. There’s no need to do anything else.) Hey everyone, Just a heads-up that tomorrow is the final day to register for Marie Forleo’s online business course. I’ve said a lot about it already, so this is just a quick notice and an important explanation. Why I Decided to Promote Marie’s Course A few people have asked me why I decided to endorse Marie’s course. It’s really…

This is a traveler case study. (Read others or nominate yourself Getting the gumption to make travel part of your life is hard enough when it’s just you, let alone adding three other people. Jacqueline Jannotta did just that, though—she brought her husband kids into a year-long adventure. Here’s how this family of four did it: Tell us about yourself. I worked for both sitcoms and dotcoms in Chicago, L.A. and Florida before becoming a freelance writer and moving to Portland, Oregon. I’ve always cherished the connections I made as I zig-zagged around the country, and have been…

Link: Discover Miles Card (New Offer for 3% Cash Back) In the world of travel hacking, you almost never hear anything about Discover—which is totally understandable. When I was a kid, my parents liked to use their Discover card, which usually created the following interaction almost everywhere we went: Server presents the bill, and my parents present their card. Server goes away and returns a few minutes later. Server: “Sorry, we don’t take Discover. Do you have a Visa or MasterCard?” Parents: “Oh, okay. Here’s another card.” In my adult world of miles and points, I’ve…

I’ve been working on my tax return this week, which is complicated for a lot of reasons. First, I run several different businesses which all have their own set of accounting. WDS, our annual gathering, has its own legal structure, including a foundation that is completely separate from all my other projects. Last year we started an all-new event that also has its own legal structure. So yeah, it’s complicated. It takes about 20 hours just to prepare all the info for my accountant, and as with most tax-prep tasks, it’s not usually a fun process. But I do enjoy seeing some of the charges…

I. Around the World Things I found on long walks in foreign cities, or perhaps when someone posted them on Twitter. Why Travel Makes You Smarter — “Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you’ve traveled.” – Mohamed Don’t Waste Those 30-Minute Gaps Between Meetings — How to take advantage of little pockets of time Quintessence — An essential part of maturing is learning to avoid discontent Etihad Offering Free Status Matches — May be limited in quantity; don’t wait! (hat tip: Gary) Don’t Throw a Life Raft Into the Kiddie Pool — On…

Mahalo to James Brogan of Shutter Force Photography for sending this amazing rainbow photo to us for Aloha Friday Photos. James shared this almost miraculous story of how he captured this photo:This rainbow appeared over the Hawaii Kai Marina about a month back. I was headed out to run some errands and was eyeing it wishing I had my camera. An hour later I returned to the same spot and the rainbow was still there, this is one of the longest holding rainbows I have ever seen.With continually shifting rain, wind, and light it is rare to see a rainbow for even more than a few minutes.I ran…

The porte-cochere with water fountain at the Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk.Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk offers great amenities and value for a Waikiki vacation. A full, cooked-to-order breakfast and evening cocktail reception is always included in the nightly room rate off this all-suite resort.LocationEmbassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk is located at 201 Beach Walk in Waikiki. (See this Google Map link to explore the area.) Restaurants, shops and, of course, Waikiki Beach are all within easy walking distance.View from our 12th floor suite looking west towards Fort Derussy.Embassy…

As I write today from my North Carolina home, we’re experiencing an unusual cold spell. It’s 19 F at noon, which is probably considered warm-ish for many colder climes in North America and beyond. One cure for the winter blues is to think warm thoughts. And, so our thoughts turn to tropical Hawaii…* Check out the current list of Honolulu LivingSocial deals. There’s a great deal for Germaine’s Luau for $45, whale watching cruise for $64, dolphin swim tour for $75, a jeep island tour for $89 and more.* We’ve updated our list of free and cheap places to park…

Satellite view of Oahu via Google MapsI’ve been writing about Hawaii travel since 2006 and I’ve heard almost every misconception about Hawaii that’s out there. A common one that I often hear about Oahu is that it’s over developed, touristy and too citylike. If Oahu was only Waikiki and the city of Honolulu, I could see how people might get that impression if they’ve mostly seen photos of Hawaii’s most popular beach — Waikiki, but Oahu is really more than Waikiki.You don’t even need to venture more than about 10 or 20 minutes outside of Waikiki…

Scheveningen 11 and Scheveningen 90 I took this photo of the painting of the Scheveningen 11 and Scheveningen 90 by Hendrik Willem Mesdag in the Groninger Museum. I’m not sure whether the painting belongs to its collection or not. I took the photo to use it for a post here about Hendrik Willem Mesdag, an important Dutch painter of the The Hague School. We have a panorama in The Hague, Panorama Mesdag and we have the Mesdag Collection in The Hague, a small museum which consists of his former home and studio’s, but also of the small museum he built himself for his own art…

Long time no quotes, but here is one;-) I’m not a Dirty Old Man, but a Sexy Senior Citizen is an apt sign I saw at the back of a car. Quote of the Day (20) – no D.O.M. but S.S.C. is a post from: Happy Hotelier. Would you like to subscribe to my newsfeed, or my weekly newsletter? Last update: Monday, February 9, 2015Quote of the Day (20) – no D.O.M. but S.S.C. is a post from: Happy Hotelier. Would you like to subscribe to my newsfeed, or my weekly newsletter?

I’ve visited IMM Cologne yesterday, mainly hunting for chair news. However, I noticed these skull docking stations on display. They come in 7 colors if I’m counting right. I won’t disclose more about the manufacturer than I did here already (think ALT…). I believe it is something you don’t want to use in your home, but many may disagree with me. At least they are interesting photo objects… Skull Speakers is a post from: Happy Hotelier. Would you like to subscribe to my newsfeed, or my weekly newsletter? Last update: Tuesday, January 27, 2015Skull Speakers…

Architect Daniël Marot designed the Kneuterdijk palace in The Hague, The Netherlands, for Johan Hendrik, Count Van Wassenaer van Opdam. It was built between 1720 and 1730. Later, in 1816, the palace was bought by King Willem I of the Netherlands for his son, the later King William II who was married to Anna Pavlovna, a daughter of the Russian Czar, Paul I. In 1848 a new version of the Dutch Constitution was announced from its balcony by King Willem II. After WW II it was the seat of the Dutch War Tribunal. Currently, after extensive renovations, it is the seat of the Dutch Council of State,…

I uploaded this photo of a bunch of not working snow canons to Picfair and gave it as a title “No Work Today” with in my head the song “No work today”….wrong! The music in my head was that of the song “No Milk Today” written by Graham Gouldman of 10 CC: No Work Today is a post from: Happy Hotelier. Would you like to subscribe to my newsfeed, or my weekly newsletter? Last update: Thursday, January 22, 2015No Work Today is a post from: Happy Hotelier. Would you like to subscribe to my newsfeed, or my weekly newsletter?

It’s that time of the winter where cabin fever has surely set in and many families are itching for a road trip adventure. Here in Louisiana we’ve just celebrated the Mardi Gras Carnival season, which is actually a family friendly experience. With Mardi Gras season over, it doesn’t mean the end of Good Times, it’s only a prelude to the springtime festivals and fun happening all around Louisiana. With just a few weeks left of winter, we’re chomping at the bit to get out of the house and take a winter road trip. While my family loves to take road trips in our own…

Yesterday Carnival Cruise Lines revealed details and images of the highly anticipated Carnival Vista. While we’ve been waiting to see what’s new, the offerings for families is more than we could imagine. The Carnival Vista builds on the success of previous Fun Ship 2.0 offerings along with being Carnival’s most innovative ship ever. Currently being built by Fincantieri in Montfalcone, Italy, this newest Fun Ship is scheduled for an inaugural season beginning May 2016 with Mediterranean and European itineraries. The Carnival Vista will then grace the port of New York until…

The holiday season can be filled with presents and family and parties and chaos. For many people, the holidays can also be a time of reflection and nostalgia and TRAVEL! My kids are teenagers now and using them as an excuse to enjoy Christmas lights is no longer valid. It’s time for me to admit that at 41 years old, I still find holiday light displays as magical and romantic as a night sky full of starlight. And adding a few nights away from home even adds to that romance! There are spectacular light displays found all over the US during this time of year, but closer to home for us is…

Photo by Jim Twardowski Hotel Indigo Houston, Texas ‘Tis the season to shop. Hotels across the country are offering travelers some delightful packages by partnering with mega malls and boutique shops. From San Francisco to New York City, hotels are enticing shopaholics with everything from discounted stays and gift cards to free parking and complimentary meals. Pack your bags and bring an extra–empty suitcase–for all the wonderful items you will find. Here’s a dozen destinations and hotels with great ways to save while you shop. Alexandria, Virginia The…

Royal Sonesta Houston, Texas Kick off the holiday season with the royal treatment on the rooftop of Houston’s fabulous Royal Sonesta. Book a stay for Thanksgiving Day, November 27, and view the annual Uptown Houston Holiday Lighting ceremony and 7 pm fireworks. Guests also receive dessert, hot chocolate, and champagne for two. Other perks include a $25 credit good for the three on-site eateries, complimentary self-parking for one vehicle and a 4 p.m. late checkout. Rates for the package start at $169 per room for double occupancy. Need an extra day to snag some holiday gifts at…

UNESCO World Heritage Site #292: National History Park – Citadel, Sans Souci, Ramiers From the World Heritage inscription: This property is an eminent example of a type of structure illustrating the historical situation of Haiti at the dawn of its independence. These Haitian monuments date from the beginning of the 19th century, when Haiti proclaimed its independence. The Palace of Sans Souci, the buildings at Ramiers, and, in particular, the Citadel serve as universal symbols of liberty, being the first monuments to be constructed by black slaves who had gained their freedom. Situated…

Join Vagabondish on Twitter and Facebook. In the years since I started traveling almost full-time, I’ve yet to find one laptop that does everything I need. To this day, my current setup is: a 15″ Asus laptop at home and a Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 13 ultrabook (a great laptop that’s sadly no longer available) for the road. The former offers all the power I need for photo editing and keeping 74 tabs open in Google Chrome; the latter is extremely portable — not much larger than a tablet — with enough power for blogging, watching movies, and backing up photos on the road…

Join Vagabondish on Twitter and Facebook. Let’s say there was a zombie outbreak tomorrow. 90% of the world has been infected and they’ve got a rampant appetite for the remaining 10 — i.e. you! In an increasingly likely scenario, where in the world would be the best place to wait for an infestation of the walking dead to blow over? Conventional wisdom is to escape heavily populated areas in favor of safe haven out in the sticks. Maybe, but we think you’re likely to find the most effective zombie-proof infrastructures within cities or popular tourist destinations. Not that we’re…

Join Vagabondish on Twitter and Facebook. If you’re a true adventure traveler, you probably beat the hell out of your gear on a regular basis. You likely already have a sport case for your smartphone, a padded adventure pack for your essential gear, and a Kevlar laptop sleeve. So why not a watch fit for a true outdoorsman? Enter Reactor’s Titan sport watch … The Skinny Reactor touts itself as makers of “the best built performance sport watches … period“. Their latest offering builds on that motto with the release of the Titan: … a watch designed to…

Join Vagabondish on Twitter and Facebook. Mirrorless (micro 4/3 format) digital cameras have been around for a while now. But, until recently, surprisingly few camera bags have been available for the new format. Tenba — one of my favorite camera accessory manufacturers — has released their latest Switch series of pro bags specifically designed for the new format cameras. They were kind enough to send me a sample of their Switch 10 for review and so far I’m really digging it. The Skinny In Tenba’s own words, the Switch 10: … fits any size mirrorless camera, even…

Join Vagabondish on Twitter and Facebook. The sheer volume of mobile travel apps these days is overwhelming. Is there one, ultimate app that really “does it all”? The “app to end all apps”? Free mobile app SafeTravels (available for iOS and Android) isn’t quite promising that, but it does provide a number of tools that are useful and essential to every traveler. Think of it as one central digital location to store your most important planning, logistic, and documentation details. The Skinny The best way to describe SafeTravels is via this short, explainer video: The elevator pitch…

As I board the small boat resting peacefully on Aitutaki’s powdery sand shore, vivid reminders of a recent fishing expedition in Botswana come flooding back to me. It was work. All of it – the casting, the trolling, the endless hours of waiting for nibbles on the end of a flashy hook – all for nothing fishy. Between my lack of casting stamina and eventual disheartened interest in bringing back a prize catch, I surmised that day on the Chobe River that “luck” is not on my side when it comes to the sport of fishing. Yet, here I am hitting the gin-colored waters of the Cook Islands to…

The coconut wireless has been abuzz around the Hawaiian Islands with travelers stumbling upon lower than usual airfare deals to Hawaii this spring. You heard that right: Deals. To Hawaii!! There’s been a major increase in the number of domestic flights to Hawaii this year, making flying to all of the Hawaiian Islands more convenient and more affordable than it’s been in years. Airlines are scheduled to fly a record 18,800 flights from the U.S. Mainland to Hawaii in the first half of 2015, and airlines have lowered airfares to help fill these additional flights. Our online searches are…

*Click on images for full screenshots It’s that time again, the holiday for love. Love isn’t just for the coupled, but also for kids, moms, dads, friends, and other family members. Remember being a kid and getting those cheeky paper Valentine’s cards from school friends? Made you feel good, right? So, just don’t stop short if you’re in a relationship, spread the love around! Here are some gifting ideas we picked that offer a wide variety of options to show someone you are simply thinking of them. We also wanted to add an entrepreneurial aspect to the gifts we…

When American Express came to me last year and asked me to come on and work with them on their Platinum For A Year program, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. I’ve been a Platinum cardholder since 1994 and rely heavily on the card for all my purchases, business needs, travel adventures and then some. Being on the road more than 150 days a year, means that I use my card a lot. It’s my go to card for everything travel—booking airfare, hotels, and one of my favorite perks, pulling it out overseas because it saves me on any foreign transaction fees. However, when it comes to personal…

Branson, Missouri is all about being entertained. Known mostly for showmanship from the likes of entertainers such as the Oakridge Boys, the world’s only violin-playing aerialist, Janice Martin, and Shoji Tabuchi, who perform in this Ozark Mountain town for audiences from all over the world. Although Branson is synonymous with musical talent, there is so much more to do. Check out these 8Great adventures. 1. Silver Dollar City is a theme park. Adventures abound from caving in Marvel Cave to visiting a working homestead. Every theme park has rides. Paying homage to the wooden coasters of…

Just four by six miles in size, the island of Guernsey sits in the English Channel south of England and 30 miles west of France. Guernsey’s cobbled streets, picturesque seafront, 800-year-old Castle […] The post Travel to the Island of Guernsey – Walks, Activities, Driving, Festivals, Accomodations appeared first on Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast. Related posts: Sunset over Old Town – Corfu Island, Greece – Daily Photo French and British Culture in The English Channel Islands Travel to the Island of Madeira – Episode 447 Transcript

When the Tourism Board for Buenos Aires offered me a stay at the Vitrum Hotel in the popular neighborhood of Palermo I though they were being very nice, but after the stay […] The post Review – Hotel Vitrum – Buenos Aires, Argentina appeared first on Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast. Related posts: Travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina – Episode 378 Review: Los Angeles to Buenos Aires by Serdar Sunny Unal Argentina (part 2) – Episode 44

Hear about travel to the region around Island of Cebu as the Amateur Traveler talks to Tommo & Megsy from fivedollartraveller.com about their vacation in Visayas, the central group of islands in […] The post Travel to the Island of Cebu in the Philippines – Episode 457 appeared first on Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast. Related posts: Boat on the Loboc River – Bohol, Philippines – Daily Photo Travel to the Philippines – Episode 201 Take a Sweet Escape to the Philippines’ Best Undiscovered Islands

The mountains stand as majestic sentinels over the land, and the mountain goats are everyday yard pets. Many Glacier Valley is filled with a series of deep, rich glacial lakes, and on one stands a giant brown hotel. Many Glacier Hotel, built in 1914, sits at the base of Mount Allen, hugging the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake, and faces the giant beasts of snow-tipped mountains that fill the Many Glacier Valley. Young people flock to the hotel to work for the summer from all across the globe on the hunt for something new. I was one such wanderer. I had gone to waitress at Glacier National Park…

You cannot really tell how immense the sea is when you are looking at it from the beach, you know is huge, is right there in front of you, expanding for miles and you know that when you go to it you cannot just keep on walking inside it since eventually you will find your feet no longer touch the soft sand at the bottom, and despite the fact that you realize on some level all of this by simply looking longingly into this big mass of bluish-greenish water, you don’t catch upon the fact of how far it goes… not until you go above it or simply to a gazebo and from there, you are…

Salt Water and Fears in the USA Cole and I strolled down the side of the highway with our thumbs pointing out and our backpacks weighing us down. The salty air was caressing my face and the warm wind enveloped me, gently assuring me I was in the right place. The humidity was thick and although I was pouring out sweat, I could not believe I was in Hawaii. He had convinced me not a week earlier to quit my job (without even giving my two weeks’ notice, which was a big deal for this type A girl) and buy a one way ticket to Kauai. We were meeting his girlfriend there and we hopefully had a place…

Your contemporary shoe fervently feels the comfort of the bumpy uneven street ground establishing an intimate connection that you hope will be everlasting. You are stood on top of the ground – a ground reflecting that of it’s people, a ground so sturdy it resembles its state, a ground so mighty it hints its experiences, a ground so grand it is Sierra Leone. As it determinedly makes its way down your trachea to the station of lung expansion the warm, kind air offers you a feeling of contentment, anticipation, and interest. By the time your diaphragm has relaxed and the oxygen has been…

From Row A on the Red Carpet with United #FilmFriendly Bloggers 2015 the 87th Academy Awards #LosAngeles Video: From Row A on the Red Carpet Our day started at 10:30am with check-in at security. We had all had criminal background checks in order to be on the list. Maybelline offered makeovers and manicures during the day. We had People magazines to read and box lunches to eat. By 2pm we were in our bleacher seats ready to record the long walk down the red carpet (partially in the rain!). I never realized how many people walk the carpet or how many times the stars get asked the same questions…

Blog comments are a battlefield. I mean that figuratively and literally. Consider the problems faced by the Ukrainian website Info Resist. As a war between Ukrainian nationalists and rebels raged on, Russian-backed trolls invaded its comments section. So Info Resist’s editors turned to a new...

What if the federal government said “enough” and ordered the airline industry to behave? Would they comply? I ask because we’ve had our fair share of debates on this site about government re-regulation, and specifically about introducing an EU 261-style law to the States. For...

Remember how easy it used to be to earn frequent flier miles? You’d book a flight on a major airline, go on that trip, and earn miles based on the distance flown — usually one award mile for each flight mile. It’s not that simple any more. First, airlines added a class-of-fare bonus so...

I know as much about bullying as the average father of three young children. Which is to say, I’m a subject matter expert. But Stephanie Kong’s request for help may not be easily solved, and I’m hoping you can help me. Kong publishes a small personal website called Obedient...

It’s for your own good. Travelers are hearing these words more often than ever, and they are being applied to increasingly unwelcome scenarios. The latest example: being unable to access WiFi in your hotel without incurring an added charge. In August, the American Hotel & Lodging Association...

Challenges of Parenting a Musically Talented ChildThere are challenges when you are raising a musically talentedchild and they just increase when There are challenges when you are raising a musically talented child and they just increase when you do it while traveling around the world and as parents without any musical training. It's truly understandable why she is the first child since Wolfgang Armadeus Mozart to do extensive world travel with a violin and piano as it is no easy feat, especially with parents who are not musicians!If you look closely at this photo…

Snow and Ice Closes Dallas Down!Not like the snow storms on the East Coast or Snowmageddon 2015, but half an inch of snow closed down Not like the snow storms on the East Coast or Snowmageddon 2015, but half an inch of snow closed down Dallas and brought a little bit excitement to all. Mozart had to rush out and make some snowballs. I grew up in Michigan and lived in NYC, so I've seen my share of snowstorms, but NEVER saw such a little bit close down everything. Schools are closed, offices are closed. I guess everyone is out making snowmen! Or cleaning off the snow on their…

Chinese New Year in Asia Have you spent Chinese New Yearin Asia? To really understand the Spring Festival Year of the Sheep Have you spent Chinese New Year in Asia? To really understand the Spring Festival Year of the Sheep, one has to be in Asia and better yet be Chinese! The next best thing is to live in or do extended travel in Asia and participate in how millions celebrate this holiday.In America I never thought much about Chinese New Year and didn't know what "Kung Hei Fat Choy" or "Gong Xi Fa Cai" meant. Unless you are a Chinese American, it is not a big holiday in America. Thanks to…

Teen Mozart Singing, Red Carpet & GrammysFourteen year old singer Mozart was "drop dead gorgeous" on the Red Carpet, (according to a reader MOZART STUNS THE CROWD ON THE RED CARPETFourteen year old singer Mozart was "drop dead gorgeous" on the Red Carpet, ( according to a reader and the reaction from the crowd), then topped it off by performing brilliantly two of her amazing original songs, "Ashes" ( that she also plays violin with) and "You're Not Alone" that is going to be in a movie soon called "Caged" and is on itunes! The latter is especially thrilling as it supports the important…

Do You Have the Courage to Travel Deep Into the Sahara? Do you have the courage to travel deep into the Sahara? When we took 6 year old Mozart on a camel trek overnight Do you have the courage to travel deep into the Sahara? When we took 6 year old Mozart on a camel trek overnight trip deep into the Sahara ( by land - ie bus, ferry, train, car from Europe) we felt very adventurous as it's not something done by most American travelers. We did have fear, especially doing it with a young child, but focused on our courage.It turned out to one of our best choices on our world tour, that we all…

By my standards, I’ve been traveling a lot. It’s been a draining and emotional couple weeks, and to make things more challenging, I’ve been fighting a head cold. I had already committed to attending American’s Annual Leadership Conference, but I wavered since I just wasn’t feeling great. In the end, I went, and I’m glad I did. I was able to experience the new American coach seat for the first time. It’s not bad. [Disclosure: American provided flights and hotel] I was originally going to fly on Tuesday and I had picked a flight on a 767 (pre-refurb, so…

We’ve heard rumblings about the death of outdated perimeter rules at both Washington/National and New York/LaGuardia for years. But could it actually happen in New York? It seems that there are talks about the perimeter rule going away at LaGuardia, and that would be great news… for some airlines. Others may not be so happy. And different cities will have mixed emotions as well. Let’s start by going over what the perimeter rule involves today. The rule says that, with just a couple exceptions, flight to LaGuardia cannot originate from more than 1,500 miles away. Flights from…

It’s been a safety-issue kind of week, hasn’t it? There’s the letter United sent to its pilots regarding some serious problems. Then there was the news about Southwest missing inspections on over 100 airplanes. Does any of this concern you? Would you be less likely to fly one of these guys? Or is it a non-issue for you?

Delta announced yesterday that it would be making big investments in improving its wifi speed and coverage. This, of course, is good news. But it’s also a very interesting indicator of how important wifi is becoming. This isn’t just an investment in adding wifi. It’s an investment in replacing older systems. Delta was one of the first to opt for fleetwide wifi years ago. It chose Gogo’s air-to-ground system, probably because it got a great deal on it. Gogo was eager to get airlines onboard, but the air-to-ground system is cheaper and faster to install as well. With…

Read the full article on PeterGreenberg.com at - Travel to Hard-to-Reach Places with Drone and Time Lapse VideosAre you feeling the itch to travel and discover a new and unknown part of the world but don’t have the money? Now with the technology of drones and time... Read More...The post Travel to Hard-to-Reach Places with Drone and Time Lapse Videos appeared first on Peter Greenberg Travel Detective.

Read the full article on PeterGreenberg.com at - Travel Tip: How You Can Track the Spread of Contagious DiseasesWhether the news is about Ebola or measles outbreaks, it’s no wonder people are practically afraid to leave the house these days. I’m here to tell you it’s probably not... Read More...The post Travel Tip: How You Can Track the Spread of Contagious Diseases appeared first on Peter Greenberg Travel Detective.

Read the full article on PeterGreenberg.com at - Winter Activities at Ski Resorts for Non-SkiersIt’s been an extreme winter thus far, which is good news for skiers and snowboarders. In many cases, we’ve seen record snowfall levels. But what if you don’t ski? What are the ski... Read More...The post Winter Activities at Ski Resorts for Non-Skiers appeared first on Peter Greenberg Travel Detective.

Read the full article on PeterGreenberg.com at - Travel Tip: Where You Can Find Educational In-flight EntertainmentIt’s one thing to pass the time on your flight with movies or music. But what if you could actually get an education in the process? Some airlines are now... Read More...The post Travel Tip: Where You Can Find Educational In-flight Entertainment appeared first on Peter Greenberg Travel Detective.

Read the full article on PeterGreenberg.com at - Travel Tip: How You Can Learn New Skills at Hotels Around the WorldIt’s one thing to stay at a resort for its pool or spa. But in some places, you might even be able to learn new skills while you’re there. Some... Read More...The post Travel Tip: How You Can Learn New Skills at Hotels Around the World appeared first on Peter Greenberg Travel Detective.

Now in its second year, Women’s Travel Fest attracts women (and some brave men) from the United States and Canada. This was my first time attending this annual event that empowers and inspires women’s travel. Last years inaugural debut took place in New York, while this years conference took place at the San Francisco Design […]

I’m not good at one night stands. I’m a monogamous relationship kind of gal. The same can be said for some of my relationships with travel gear. I actually felt like I was cheating on someone when I traded Tom Bihn for Hercules, the checkpoint friendly backpack from ECBC. Tom Bihn created my […]

A hat that comes with an owner’s manual? Say it ain’t so. But the journalist in me likes the fact that the folks at Tilley want you to love their travel apparel as much as they love it. Their adoration shows; from the detailed owners manual to their guarantee for the life of the product, […]

When my husband and I married, nearly 30 years ago, our videographer asked a close friend of ours to share a word of advice to the new bride and groom. “Don’t cook together,” she said with a laugh. She knew both of us too well. Today, neither my husband or I are comfortable […]

Digging for dinosaur bones you can keep found us at the outskirts of Glendive, Montana in the state’s northeast corner heading to the Baisch family’s ranch. The ranch, in the midst of Montana’s badlands, is a privately owned experiential family travel destination. Here, at Baisch’s Dinosaur Digs, looking for dinosaur bones is peppered with stories of growing up where the […]

Ever since Mark Twain’s famous journey to Hawaii in 1866 as a correspondent for the Sacramento Union, the Kilauea lava flow has The post Hiking to Lava on the Big Island appeared first on Hawaii Aloha Travel.

If you think Hawaii hotels rates are high, think again, because we’re actually CHEAPER when you’re talking about how they compare to The post Hawaii Hotel Prices are CHEAPER when compared to similar destinations appeared first on Hawaii Aloha Travel.

Play IGT’s Cats Slot Cats slot machine brings a beautiful jungle theme to video slot machine play. Cats inhabits a wild environment filled with big cats from around the world. Jaguars, Tigers, and Lions, all make their home in this stunning slot machine. Hit a streak of Tigers, a pride of Lions, or a group of Jaguars for … Continue reading Cats™ → The post Cats™ appeared first on Station Casinos Blog.

We’ve gotten a lot of inquiries about online sports wagering in Las Vegas, so we put together this post to clarify some issues. Is it online sports betting legal in Nevada? Yes, as long as you sign up at a casino sports book authorized to accept online wagering. All Station Casinos, Red Rock, Green Valley … Continue reading Nevada Online Sports Betting FAQ → The post Nevada Online Sports Betting FAQ appeared first on Station Casinos Blog.

Play SHFL’s Fortune Pai Gow Poker at Your Favorite Station Casinos Location Part strategy, part good fortune, Fortune Pai Gow Poker pits you against the dealer in this unique game. You and the dealer each receive 7 cards and place them into a 5 card hand and a 2 card hand. The goal is to have … Continue reading Progressive Fortune Pai Gow Poker℠ → The post Progressive Fortune Pai Gow Poker℠ appeared first on Station Casinos Blog.

Known as “The Great American Off-Road Race,” the Mint 400 is once again taking place annually in Las Vegas Nevada. This is one of the most storied and grueling races in US racing history. Started 1967 by Norm Johnson as a promotional tool for his hotel, The Mint, the annual race was run annually until … Continue reading The 2015 Mint 400 in Las Vegas → The post The 2015 Mint 400 in Las Vegas appeared first on Station Casinos Blog.

Day 1, part 4, Mumbai Hare Krishna Temple - Mumbai, India Mumbai, India...... Cont from previous entry. In we went to be met with signs as big as your house everywhere 'NO PHOTOGRAPHY, NO VIDEO, NO CELL PHONES'. I was gutted cos it was a spectacle to behold and I would've loved to have Facetimed my mum to tell her she was right all along, I am the gypsy of the family and I am running away with the Hare Krishna crew from Mumbai. They are having a ball ! Clapping, dancing and chanting. Lee and I don't have a clue what is going on so we stand at the back and watch. It's a square shaped hall with…

Kingston to Fort Lauderdale - Fort Lauderdale, FL Fort Lauderdale, FLSunday 1/2 - Rest day. It started snowing mid morning. We just cruised about the local area today. Drove along the lake shorline down to a new subdivision at Bath. All the homes are built in and around a 18 hole golf course. We inspected an open home and had a good chat to the agent who is also a builder. A roast dinner at home and an early night as we have a 6:15am bus to catch in the morning to Toronto airport. Denise did a re-pack and is leaving some 'winter stuff' at Mike &amp; Carols. Mat's got the shorts, thongs…

Day 1, part 3 Mumbai - Mumbai, India Mumbai, IndiaThere is little to do anywhere in the world at 5.30 am but sleep, but we had arranged to go to the ISKCON temple at Juhu. To you and I this is a Hare Krishna temple! I always spend time at the Hare Krishna tent in Glastonbury so was looking forward to it. It usually opens at 4.30am and everyone is welcome but they must have had Monday blues because it didn't kick off until 7.15 am. We had to find something to do for a while, so we went to a small temple down the road. It was already a hive of industry with people cleaning, praying, chanting,…

Camp Day 10 - Bischofszell, Switzerland Bischofszell, SwitzerlandHello, So again classes all day. Yeah yeah I know this blog is getting repetitive but that’s what we did. Every day for nearly 2 weeks. Class was more entertaining today though because Yago, Milena, Joaquin, Ruby, Caitlin and Brendan all decided it would be a good idea to throw bits of paper at each other. At least it was funny. We also got free wifi again today and just stood outside the shop away from the window because it was weird to just go and sit in there if we didn’t buy anything. Gloria, Kate and I were all…

Here at FareCompare, we recently reported on passenger rights during delays and the sad truth is, there aren’t many. However, there are some perks when problems occur but they’re so little known they might as well be secrets. Secret Airline Guarantees In most cases, these guarantees are not highlighted on airline homepages. We found the following, though, and if you find others, we’d love to hear about them. Baggage Fee Guarantees Alaska: If your checked-bag doesn’t make it to the carousel within 20 minutes, you get a choice of 2,500 miles or a voucher code…

Some of us are extra careful when traveling while others throw caution to the winds. For those of you in the latter group, there are scams out there, but a little prudence helps (along with common sense). LISTEN: How about some personal scam experiences? Five Common Travel Scams First, read about these common scams so you’ll recognize them; to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Then see our tips to avoid being victimized. 1. Distraction Dodges: Bracelets, Strippers and More A friendly fellow asks your help for a demonstration and next thing you know, he’s weaving a string bracelet…

I began writing a weekly air travel column for ABC News seven years ago this month (you can see them all here). Looking back, I’m struck by what a time of turmoil 2008 proved to be. LISTEN: Rick Seaney predicts you’ll like this podcast. Crazy Travel Predictions of 2008 Soaring oil prices, airlines going bankrupt left and right, the dawn of the Fee Era – it was a pretty wild time – and led to some pretty crazy predictions. Like these: Oil prices are going to kill the airlines. In 2008, Southwest CEO Gary Kelly said, “No airline can make money at $123 a…

Ice storms, raging blizzards, howling winds; what to do when it’s cold outside? Warm up, and here are some excellent places to do that, in the U.S. and around the world. Bonus: Some of these destinations can be good bargains right now, depending on where you’re traveling from. Click the city for best deals from your town. Click the tourism link for fun stuff. Warm U.S. Cities California: We’ve been seeing good deals to Los Angeles, San Diego and Palm Springs. Los Angeles will probably be the coolest of the three, temperature-wise, but coolness is a plus too (think movie…

This could be a perfect time to get on a plane and go somewhere so take a look at these destination ideas. Most will be familiar, but – have you actually been? You could be in for a delightful surprise. LISTEN: Travel expert Rick Seaney has visited most of these. Why Fly Now Depending on where you’re going, the weather can be pretty good in March, April and May and since the biggest crowds don’t usually descend on many of these cities until July and August, you may avoid long lines at attractions. Even better, when demand is lower, airfare prices tend to drop as well. Tip:…

News and notes from around the interweb: How to put United award tickets on hold French Polynesia’s tourism minister says Air Tahiti Nui will join oneworld. (HT: Jean T. for the article, in French) Already American AAdvantage frequent flyers can spend miles for Air Tahiti Nui flights. It used to be possible to earn AAdvantage miles on Air Tahiti Nui. Interestingly, joining the alliance would raise the airline’s costs allowing for mileage accrual in a variety of programs, though presumably it would help encourage passengers to fly them instead of Air France and Air New Zealand.

Several airlines have settled a price fixing lawsuit and you may be entitled to a very small share of the settlement if you purchased a ticket to Asia or the South Pacific in the past 15 years. No doubt the class action share will be small, but it’s not much effort, and you will just be asked for trip details and won’t need to dig up any documents. In 2009 a class action lawsuit was filed against Air New Zealand, Air France, and Continental for price fixing between the US and Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands. The case later expanded. And in August 2014 there was an…

I receive compensation for many links on this blog. You don’t have to use these links, but I am grateful to you if you do. American Express, Citibank, Chase, and other banks are advertising partners of this site. I do not write about all credit cards that are available — instead focusing on miles, points, and cash back (and currencies that can be converted into the same). Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® MasterCard® CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World MasterCard® US Airways® Premier World MasterCard® Back in October we learned that Barclaycard would issue…

United is putting a ‘ps’ Boeing 757 onto one of its two daily Boston – Los Angeles flights this summer. Between July 2 and August 17, United will fly: 8:30am – 5:01pm, Los Angeles – Boston, UA528 6:00pm – 9:11pm, Boston – Los Angeles, UA717 This move is interesting for several reasons: United ran Boston – Los Angeles with this premium ‘international-style’ seating for several days in November. When they have extra capacity with the aircraft to fly a roundtrip cross country flight, they seem to decide to put it on the Boston route.

Sit-ins, refusing to leave the aircraft, are becoming a thing in Iran to protest poor operational performance of Iranian airlines. Iranian news media have cited several recent incidents in which passengers enduring prolonged delays have refused to leave aircraft once their planes belatedly arrived at their destinations, sometimes as much as 22 hours late. In some cases, the on-board sit-ins have lasted for several hours, according to media reports here. When you’re frustrated that your airline isn’t getting you to your destination on time, what you want to do when you finally get…

Bangkok is currently experiencing a revival of traditional regional food, rather than only chasing after the latest international trends. In my opinion, the best Thai food comes from the Northeast region called Isan. Isan Thai Food is famous for being very spicy and pungent, seasoned with fresh herbs and fermented fish (plah rah), featuring some of Thailand’s spiciest salads. The cuisine has more in common with that of Laos than the rest of Thailand, as Isan people historically have been influenced by their neighbouring county’s culture. Moreover, they speak a dialect that is…

The Cradle Mountain Overland Track is Australia’s premier alpine walk. It’s a 65 kilometer, six-day trek through the heart of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, part of the magnificent Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The stunning scenery and the physical challenge of the Overland Track have assured it a national and international reputation as one of the great wilderness bushwalks.The walk starts at Ronny Creek in Cradle Valley, beside the renowned Cradle Mountain. Over the next six days, walkers journey through a landscape of spectacular gla­cially-carved…

This is a review of the Mekong Riverview Hotel in Luang Prabang, Laos, where I stayed in January 2015. This is the hotel I would come back to if I find myself in Luang Prabang again.Here are the reasons why I love this hotel:(1) It is located on the quietest, most secluded part of Luang Prabang at the tip of the peninsula where the Nam Khan River meets the Mekong River. This means you won’t get the noise and pollution from those loud smoke-belching scooters and tuktuks that plague the rest of Luang Prabang. Unlike in 2011 when I first came to this lovely town, Luang Prabang is now…

Termas Geométricas Hot Springs is a Japanese-style onsen in Chile about an hour’s drive from the village of Pucon in the lake district. It is one of our favorite places in Chile because of the unique design that blends with the stunning surroundings. The Architecture blog, Arch Daily recently published an article about the hot springs.Termas Geométricas Hot Springs Chile is a post by Arnon Kohavi on Mapplr - Hotel reviews, travel guides, shopping guides.

It is time to update our top boutique hotels in Tel Aviv. Ten years ago, when I stayed at Nina Suites for the first time, the tel aviv hotel market was completely dominated by large chain hotels. Today there are more than twenty five small and hip hotels in the city, and here are our top five boutique hotels in Tel Aviv:The Rothschild Hotel – 96 Rothschild BlvdAlma Hotel – 23 Yavne StreetShenkin Hotel – 21 Brener StreetMarket House Hotel – by Flea Market – 5 Beit Eshel StreetBrown TLV – 25 Kalisher StreetTop Five Boutique Hotels in Tel Aviv is a post…

Four books which have caught my attention, although I’ve only read reviews. Plus one movie, which I have seen. • Chasing the Scream, the First & Last Days of the War on Drugs by Johann Hari, a summation of why this is another war – like the War on Terror – which is absurd and unwinnable. The back and forth on the Bali 9 and the threatened execution of the two ‘ringleaders’ has certainly brought the whole absurdity up all over again. Legalise the stuff, there may be some costs in one direction, but I think there will be far more savings in the other. The Age/Sydney Morning…

There’s lots of Australian attention focussed on the fate of two would-be drug importers caught in Bali and possibly facing death in front of a firing squad very soon. A bunch of facts and figures: • The ‘Bali 9’ had 8.3kg of heroin between them and apart from the two death sentences the other seven are facing sentences of 20 years or life. • Van Tuong Nguyen – Australian but Vietnamese by birth – caught in Singapore with 396 grams (0.4kg) of heroin – death by hanging in 2005 • Kevin Barlow (Australian and British) and Brian Chambers (Australian) – caught in Malaysia with…

▲ With some friends we spent a week at Lorne, a popular seaside resort on the Great Ocean Road about 140km from Melbourne. Lots of things haven’t changed at all, like the wonderful views along the road. This is the mouth of the St George River, just to the west of Lorne. ▲ Or The Arab, this café has been a feature of the main road through Lorne for 58 years. When it opened in 1956 it seemed like a really exotic name and it’s as popular as ever. ◄ Lorne is very popular with surfers and there are some wonderful walks and beautiful waterfalls on the rivers that run down to the coast…

Grapefruit, Active Control Control, Google’s Self-Driving Car Yes even buying grapefruit can present you with tech challenges. My local supermarket has recently had grapefruit labelled Israeli (on the shefl) which turned out to be Australian (according to the sticker on the fruit). And vice versa. Most of the time grapefruit is locally grown, but occasionally Israeli or US imports appear. Then I drove down to the Victoria, Australia beach resort of Lorne from my Melbourne home in Maureen’s new Mini Cooper S, the white one in the lead in this photograph. It comes with assorted high tech…

I’m a firm believer that you often learn a lot more about a place by exploring it than you ever will by sitting at a desk and reading briefings. Particularly if they come from somebody like the CIA. Indonesia Etc certainly proves that although it definitely helps that the author, Elizabeth Pisani, knows the place, speaks the language fluently, has spent a long time there and isn’t afraid of getting her hands dirty. Equally important it’s clear she loves the improbable place. She’s spent long spells in the country writing for Reuters and The Economist and then working on HIV and AIDs…

Heading on a trip to Europe this year and deep in the planning stages? Now’s a great time to quickly review your itinerary and “trip strategy” to make sure that you’re not about to make any common mistakes that will add unnecessarily to your travel costs. From hotels to flights, rental cars and train tickets, there are several things to keep in mind before you hit “book”. Regular readers might recognize a few of these tips from posts in previous years (including last year’s “10 Ways to Save Before Leaving for Europe”). They’ve been…

Knowing a little Spanish or Catalan can come in handy during a trip to Barcelona. While it’s true that most customer service folks in the city center and at major attractions will speak some English, speaking at least a bit of the local language is always a chance to get closer to the culture and have a richer travel experience. It can also be a way to save. There are certain words posted on signs at ticket offices, Metro stops, and on menus that non-Spanish and Catalan speakers’ eyes would glaze over, missing an opportunity on a discount or deal. With that in mind, here are seven…

London is a lively city year in and year out, every season bringing with it new openings, events, and activities. 2015 is set to be no different, so whether you’re planning a first time visit or a return to a city you know and love, here are 10 reasons why you should plan a visit this year. 1. Peruse the V&A’s new galleries Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL The Europe 1600-1800 Galleries have just opened their doors at London’s V&A Museum. The project has involved the transformation of seven galleries into a fresh new space in which over 1,000 pieces…

Whether you are going to Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, or any other city, traveling by rail in Germany is usually a pleasure—except where your pocketbook is concerned. It pays to think about saving on your ground transportation costs before you even arrive in Germany. In this article, we’ll show you four simple ways to cut the cost of your rail travel dramatically. 1. Book early on the Bahn website. The only sure-fire method of saving money on German trains is to book your travel as early as possible directly through the website of the German railway, Deutsche Bahn (bahn.de). You can…

While Brits are not famed for their culinary finesse, there is one dish that most would take with them to a desert island—the Sunday Roast. London is famed for its pub culture of pints and conversation, and many of these taverns also serve good food. Sunday afternoons is when the kitchen creates a tasty feast that brings out locals of all ages. Best of all, you can get a filling plate at Cheapo-approved prices. Most pubs charge around £10 to £15 for a roast with all the fixings. Here’s a rundown of the history, what to expect, and where to enjoy a delicious Sunday roast in London.

More and more individuals are starting environmentally friendly living, and thankfully, businesses and governments the world over have followed suit as well. Alternative sources of energy like hydro, solar panels, and wind turbines are all being developed and operated. Lifestyle changes are being made by individuals and families too. Using modes of transportation with lower… Read more The post How to Make Your Life More Environmentally Friendly appeared first on Go Green Travel Green.

Looking for unique Valentine’s Day gifts? Nothing says romance like a corporate-created holiday about love. I have to admit, however, I enjoy getting gifts and eating nice meals. So part of me appreciates this mid-February excuse to do it. This year, rebel against the commercialism of Valentine’s Day by getting one of these sustainable (and… Read more The post Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts for Your Favorite Green Traveler appeared first on Go Green Travel Green.

When it comes to exploring new places, I like traveling by car best and being on the road to Prescott, Arizona with your kids. Recently, I packed up the family to visit Prescott, Arizona. It’s a small city with a picturesque downtown and plenty of outdoor recreation. With lots of things to entice the kids,… Read more The post Things to do in Prescott, Arizona with Your Kids appeared first on Go Green Travel Green.

It seems like most industries have jumped on the eco-friendly bandwagon. Everywhere you look, there are LEED certified hotels, museums and office buildings. Companies of every type are looking for new and innovative ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. We believe there are ways gyms can go green too. There are many Benefits for Gyms who… Read more The post Top 5 Ways Gyms Can Go Green and Save Money Too appeared first on Go Green Travel Green.

Colorado is a fantastic vacation destination for families with children, especially Denver with kids. Most people come for the skiing, hiking, and camping. There is also lots to do in Colorado’s capital and largest city, Denver. The high altitude and dry climate of the Mile High City make for a pleasant location for enjoying different types… Read more The post Top Things to do in Denver with Kids appeared first on Go Green Travel Green.

If youre in London later this month, theres a secret owl pop-up event taking place in the Soho neighborhood. Yes, you read that correctly: A SECRET OWL POP-UP! Consider this your rare chance to learn about these birds of prey and support owl sanctuaries. From March 19-25 from 8:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., people can meet Annie the Owl and her parliament (look it up, bird nerds), Darwin, Ruby, Cinders, Winston and Hootie. Although these are owls are used to mingling with the public  theyve attended TV shows, weddings and county fairs  theyll be escorted and…

View of the North American Chairlift at Mt. Norquay Ski Area Last week, we wrote that now is a great time to travel to Canada thanks to a favorable exchange rate for Americans. Taking our own advice, we shot up north of the border to Banff National Park outside of Calgary in Alberta. The northern part of the Rocky Mountain chain is known for its dramatic, jagged, glacier-carved peaks that shoot straight up from the sprawling, pine-covered valley floor. Summer is the primetime season to explore its infamous alpine lakes - such as Moraine - but it is also an underestimated and often overlooked…

Introducing Jaunteds Cultural Tune-Up, a monthly playlist-based guide for todays music loving traveler. Each installment spotlights songs you need to hear, by artists you need to know, from places you need to visit. Spanning pop to hip-hop, up-and-comers to chart toppers, and small towns to major cities, Cultural Tune-Up explores the world through one of our most underutilized travel tools: the sense of sound. ARTIST: Christopher FROM: Copenhagen, Denmark FEATURED TUNE: "CPH Girls" Practically the Justin Bieber of Denmark, Christopher has made a massive impression on the music…

Nothing gives a better inside glimpse into how billionaires live  and travel  than a good old-fashioned nasty divorce. And thats whats happening right now in Chicago between the richest man in Illinois, Citadel hedge fund founder Ken Griffin, and his estranged wife Anne Dias Griffin. Worth more than $5 billion (thats nine zeroes, folks!), Griffin asked Dias to sign a prenup entitling her to about $50 million should the marriage go south. But when it did, such a minuscule chunk of her husbands estate didnt sit well with Dias, and she has tried -- so…

Your kiddos better start picking up extra chores, tasks, and assignments around the house, as theyre going to need some additional funds if theyre looking to visit one of the Disney parks here in the nifty fifty. The folks responsible for the theme parkswe assume thats Mickey and friendshave increased admission prices once again, so that visit to Disneyland or Walt Disney World is going to cost you that much more cash.

Nearly two years ago, news came out that Sunset Tower hotelier Jeff Klein had purchased a "clothing optional gay motel" in West Hollywood. At the time, the spot was known not just for its lax clothing policy but also for the drug habits of its guests. Its nickname was "Sin Bin." But a year after purchasing the property, Klein had done significant upgrades to the 29 bungalows and the pool they surround (the jacuzzi was removed) to warrant a feature article in the NY Times. Today, the hotel goes by the name San Vicente Bungalows and looks like a chic little oasis in the middle of WeHo. But it…

When we first got our hands on pictures of Every Hotels, the new brand for Glh Hotels, we werent too impressed - that decor? Fine, but hardly millennial-sharp. Did we speak too soon? Because this review in the Mail Online seems pretty blown away by the first property in Piccadilly. As we said before, theyve souped up the amenities  so there are complimentary (non-alcoholic) minibars, blazing fast WiFi, Hypnos (ie great) beds and that infernal, ubiquitous Nespresso machine in every room.

The beginning of March should have allowed us to cross the first of our five London hotel openings for 2015 off of our list, but it was not to be: the M by Montcalm Shoreditch has been delayed until mid-April. Where reservations had been moved up to March 1 previously, were now looking at April 14 as the first day to stay at Montcalms manifestation of glory. Rates have crept up slightly with the six-week delay, starting at £187 ($289) a night rather than £170 ($262) before. Room descriptions continue to ramble on about Deluxe Twin rooms that have a super…

Many have spent the night with old lady Waldorf, but few have owned her  until now. Because the new owners of the Waldorf Astoria New York, Chinese company Anbang Insurance Group, which finally sealed the deal last month, have announced that theyll be converting some of the rooms into condos. The rooms in question are in the Waldorf Towers, which currently operate as a hotel-within-a-hotel on the 27th-42nd floors of the building, with suites and apartments accessed via a separate entrance. (Theyre somewhat nicer than the notoriously in-need-of-help rooms in the…

You don't have to shipwreck yourself, Gilligan-style, to really, truly get away from it all. Instead, check in to one of these off-the-beaten-track beach resorts, where soft sand, glassy seas, and crowd-free sights come standard.

As the cold weather begins to subside, the revelers come out of hibernation for these unique March festivals, and it isn’t just Mardi Gras they are celebrating. Whether you want a little peace and quiet or a month-long blowout, we’ve got you covered with this list of March’s best attractions worldwide. Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras: Sydney, Australia Australians do Mardi Gras a little differently. In Sydney, the gay and lesbian community runs the streets throughout the month of February with cabaret shows, parties, and the famed Sleaze Ball side event. It all culminates on the…

With spring just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your perfect getaway. Whether you want to spend your Easter vacation roaming around Rome or you’re looking to go wild in Las Vegas, chet out our incredible March deals and save money on top-selling tours and activities. Get ready for an adventure. What’s happening this month Amsterdam, Netherlands ‘Tis the tulip season! Come soak up the blaze of color that envelops the Keukenhof Gardens, its greenhouses, brooks and shady ponds and winding paths. It’s truly a memorable sight. Or stay in the city…

Viator’s team of travel insiders is obsessed with finding the best things to do everywhere we travel. From traditional tours to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, everywhere from Australia to Zimbabwe, we spend our time scouring the globe for the best tours and activities around the world. Whether traveling for work or pleasure (or both!) our staff members are always on the go and we want to share their experiences with you! In this new series, Out of Office, we’ll bring you their stories, highlighting the best things to do and see in destinations around the world, as experienced by a real…

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on Smarter Travel and has been republished here with permission. Keep these 10 things in mind when traveling. (Photo: Thinkstock/iStock) Travel can be exhilarating but also scary at times. When you’re venturing into the great unknown, follow these 10 safety tips to protect yourself and ensure a happy and secure journey. Choose Your Ground Transportation Wisely Make sure to pay attention while traveling. (Photo: Thinkstock/iStock) According to the World Health Organization (WHO), motor vehicle crashes are the number-one cause of death…

The Panama Canal My husband, 9-week-old daughter and I embarked on the Panama City and Canal Sightseeing Tour with excitement. We knew we wanted to see the Miraflores Locks, one of the Panama Canal’s three famous locks, and get our bearings in the city where we’d be staying for the next week. The tour provided us with an unexpectedly in-depth Canal experience that gave meaningful historical context to our whirlwind visit to Panama’s Casco Viejo (“Old Town”), also known as Casco Antiguo. We started our morning bright and early with a 7:30 AM pickup at our hotel. We were welcomed into…

It’s not just award season for music and movies. This is also the time of year when several “best travel writing” awards results come out. Perceptive Travel often gets a nod in these things and this year we scored a major one. The North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) named us the Best Online Travel

He was just laying there, prostrate in the fluffy white snow, this helpless, frustrated little boy stuck in a tricky lip of the bottom-most family run at Niseko Annupuri. A man whom I assumed was his father stared at him from the bottom of the hill — just stared at him — as the kid,

Sometimes, you don’t have much time. When a major art or history or science museum is nearby during a trip, but you only have an hour or so to see it, is there a way to make the visit worthwhile? Of course, but be prepared for some trade-offs. On a recent trip to Boston, I

It’s been four years since the earthquakes seriously shook up and messed up the city of Christchurch. Since then so much has changed. Christchurch had always been branded as the ‘city with the Cathedral’. For over one hundred years the cathedral has been a Christchurch landmark, featured on thousands upon thousands of postcards and tourist

My, Beavertown Brewery, how you have grown. Launched in 2011 in Hackney as a modest 650-liter brewpub at Duke’s Brew & Que, The House That Robert Plant’s Son Logan Built (sorry, Logan, had to get the celebrity father namedrop out of the way) has in three short years blossomed into a proper microbrewery that’s in

Harry, Hermione and Ron all jumped aboard for their eventful and emotional journeys to and from Hogwarts, and now fans of the boy wizard will no doubt be ‘chuffed’ at the chance to get up close to the film series’ 78-year-old iconic red engine – aka Olton Hall. The Hogwarts Express engine and an adjoining carriage form part of a Platform 9 expansion at Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, and will be displayed on a set of tracks, complete with billowing steam. Visitors to the attraction – in Leavesden, near Watford, north-west of London – will be able to…

This month’s comedy festival in Glasgow is the biggest in Europe: here’s what to see, do, eat and drink when your aching sides can’t take any more laughsGlasgow in winter … are you having a laugh?No, but you could be at the Glasgow Comedy Festival, the largest in Europe (even bigger than that Fringe thingy in another Scottish city that will remain nameless). Now in its 13th year, it will feature more than 300 shows in 40 venues around the city.Who’s headlining this year?Stewart Lee, Dylan Moran, Jimmy Carr, Al Murray, Simon Amstell, Jerry Sadowitz, Nina Conti, Rich Hall, Frankie…

This month we asked for your photographs of ‘weather’. Here are our readers’ best entries. Scroll down to see the winner, as judged by Mick Ryan of fotovue.com. Each monthly winner will have their photograph mounted by Point 101 and displayed in an exhibition at the Guardian’s London office. The best shot of the year wins a fantastic Arctic activity and photography trip to Swedish LaplandEnter March’s competition, the theme is colour Continue reading...

From the brightest shades to the subtlest hues, send us your travel shots on the theme of colour, via GuardianWitness, and you could win an incredible trip to Swedish LaplandFor our March competition, we want to see your best photographs under the theme of colour. Whether it’s the rainbows in the sky to the subtle greens and blues of the sea, and anything in between, send us your photographs and you will be in with a chance of a winning an Arctic activity and photography trip to Swedish Lapland.The winning image will be mounted and exhibited in an end-of-year exhibition in the foyer gallery…

Think travel and children don’t mix? Think again. Join us on Twitter as we share tips and advice from adventurous parents and discuss the challenges of travelling as a family. Bring your best stories and suggestions – the most inspiring and creative tweeter will win a Lonely Planet book of their choice! Can’t wait? Check out our family travel page and Lonely Planet Kids site for inspiration, practical advice and resources for your little ones. How do I take part? 1. Follow @lonelyplanet and the hashtag #LPChat on Twitter on Wednesday 4 March from 4pm GMT/11am EST. 2.

A few months ago, we invited you – the Thorn Tree and Lonely Planet community – to take part in our annual user survey, collecting data and opinions on Thorn Tree V, the latest version of our forum. The survey ran throughout December and January, prompting a huge response. We received feedback from people in 127 different countries, spanning members who have been with us for more than 10 years (more than 12.5%), to recent joiners (about 15%), to those who use the forums without necessarily registering an account (roughly 8%). Age distribution was fairly evenly split above 30, showing a…

Lonely Planet editor Megan Eaves scours Instagram to find out what it’s really like to travel during Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year crowds at Beijing Railway Station. Image by Charlie fong 冯成 / Wikimedia Commons. [View the story “How people travel during Chinese New Year” on Storify] Follow Destination Editor @megoizzy for travel news from North Asia, and visit Lonely Planet’s China page for more travel tips and articles.

With the launch of our brand new free ebook, New in Travel, we turned to Twitter to see what you thought about some of our recommendations for 2015, and ask what travels plans you had for the year ahead. As usual, you left us filled with wanderlust, with even more trips on our travel wishlist – including a stint in the Bahamas to meet some aquatic pigs. Here are your best tips for travel in 2015. [View the story “#LPChat: new experiences for 2015″ on Storify]

A couple sit on a jetty in Baja Verapaz, Guatemala. Image by Tom Robinson / Lonely Planet Traveller Magazine What’s the best way to a traveller’s heart? We’ve been on a mission to find out. Whether your idea of romance is a tandem bungy, a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a simple sunset stroll along a beach, one thing is certain: there’s a destination out there for everyone. We asked you what you would do on your dream first date, if money were no object. Here are some of your swoon-worthy suggestions. [View the story “We asked you: what makes a…

The other day I was watching Jeopardy! When what I thought a very easy question about UNESCO came up. I watched dumbfounded as the three contestants each missed the question, showing they hadn’t heard of UNESCO before – something I probably talk about on a daily basis. I sat there confused, but I also started thinking that perhaps most people who don’t work in the travel industry have a need to know about UNESCO and that there are probably scores of other facts and tips that I consider basic information that the average person doesn’t need to know on a daily basis. So I decided to put…

A couple of years ago my partner surprised me with a birthday trip to Iceland. We’d both wanted to go for a long time and it was the perfect chance to explore this beautiful country. I fell in love. There’s just something about Iceland that drew me in right away, from the capital city Reykjavik to the stunning countryside, I loved it all. I wanted to visit again far sooner, but I only just recently returned from my second of what I am sure will be many trips to Iceland. My initial feelings held true – I still love this small island. But I also learned a lot more about traveling around…

It’s cold, very cold which is normal for winter, but it just seems so much worse this year for some reason. Around the United States and even the Northern Hemisphere, 2015 has had a frigid start. That’s why so many of us, myself included, find ourselves daydreaming of warm weather – places where we can wear shorts instead of parkas and flip-flops instead of snow boots. I went through my albums and found several warmer places I’d love to be relaxing right now – anything for some relief from this winter weather!MexicoGrand CaymanRottnest Island,…

The clock is ticking. If we don’t get on board and stop the rhino poaching crisis these horned mammals could well become extinct by 2026. We have little more than a decade to make the necessary changes so whether you’re heading off on safari or want to give your support to rhinos from your sofa, here are seven ways to make a difference. 1. Book an adventure on the continent: You don’t need to be a volunteer to make a difference. Every traveller who pays park fees in Africa is contributing to ongoing conservation projects. Your tourist dollars will help to fund the basics…

You are probably considering traveling in Spain with the train. But you still have many questions and are unsure on whether this is the option that best suits your needs. For instance, based on your trip itinerary, will you be better off buying point-to-point tickets or a rail pass? If it’s a rail pass, which one is better? A great trip starts with good planning, so keep reading for some helpful tips. Whether you are traveling alone, with your family or with a large group, you will learn how to get the best price and book your reservation. Below is a list of the most frequent questions you…

Where have we been for the last year? We discuss why we took a year off the Indie Travel Podcast and our plans for 2015 To listen, hit play below or find episode 296 in iTunes, Stitcher or Soundcloud: We’ve had a lot of really encouraging tweets, Facebook messages and emails over the last year, while we took a hiatus from the show. Thanks so much for your support; we miss you! We were in the midst of a new business for Craig, and the start of a Master’s program for Linda, in addition to a rather domestic year, that saw us spend the bulk of our time in two cities. As well as…

After almost ten months at home in New Zealand, Craig and I are finally back on the road. It was awesome to spend so much time with friends and family, but the cold winter weather was really starting to get us down towards the end of our stay — so we’re glad to be travelling again! Unfortunately, our next destination (Spain) is also heading towards winter, but we should get a couple of months of heat before we freeze again. August 16-20: Christchurch After a week of goodbye dinners and parties, we had a final farewell lunch with my family at Villa Maria winery before being dropped…

Real locals — Indians who live in Agra and whose tourism business ensures they see the building a couple of times a week — pay no special attention to the Taj Mahal, so (despite the title of this article) you don’t really want to see it like a local. You want to see it with all the awe and excitement it deserves, but with a few tricks up your sleeve. Paying the price All Indian tourism sites quote two prices, one for tourists and one for locals. This may seem unfair in most cases, but it is nowhere as disproportionate as in the Taj, where a videshi pays 750 rupees for an Indian’s 20.

He was wearing a battered leather coat, the kind with pockets with flaps and a belt and wide lapels. Buttons, not zippers. It was brown. 1940s city, not 1950s biker. He had a Groucho Marx ‘stache, still dark, and Einstein hair reaching out in all directions like static. Maybe he was 60, maybe a well preserved 70? His hands were flying in the air between him and the younger woman next to him. She held the lead of an enormous white fluffy dog. I watched them out the cafe window, the dog yawned and sat down. “Look at that big fluffy dog…” I said to J. and then I stopped.

The guy behind the card table is turning a watch over in his hands. “It’s broken,” he says, to the guy that insists that it’s not, that it’s a good watch, that it’s just the watch band that needs replacement. “No,” says the guy behind the card table, this pin on the side needs fixing, see, it’s hardly worth my time to take it apart, so, three Euros, I am not going to give you more than three Euros for it.” The woman in the headscarf is shouting at the guy pointing at the flat screen monitor. “Look, you think I’m some kind…

There’s a certain way I look at the big mountain that marks the end of the valley when we’re driving the long side of it. If I can get the right perspective on it, I trick myself into thinking it’s the moon, hanging in space, just beyond the horizon. It’s too far to touch, but it’s still so close that I can see all the crannies and textures and scrapings and gray rock that make it up. It’s almost like wecould go there, not by rocket, but as in The Distance of the Moon by Italo Calvino, by getting close enough to prop a ladder up against her and climb…

Turkey is the world’s number one producer of hazelnuts. Once I’d learned this critical information, the Austrian obsession with hazelnut baked goods began to make more sense. Turkey and Austria have a long and contentious relationship that’s grounded in empirical — as in empire, not as in the scientific method — sibling rivalry between the Habsburgs and the Ottomans. I haven’t been to Turkey, so I can’t comment on the long term Austrian impact on Turkish society, but Turks make up a noticeable segment of Austria’s population even now. In my…

The town where my husband grew up isn’t much to look at. There’s a main road lined by a supermarket, a place where you can buy a tractor, a tabak (one of those shops with cigarettes and stamps and postcards and candy bars and magazines), a cafe, a shockingly modernist church, a motorcycle and scooter dealer, a franchised bakery, a few hair salons… small town businesses. You know. This is one of a number of villages just like it that dot the valley. In the next town up there’s a larger onion domed parish church (c. 1145) and an old courthouse that’s quite…

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Q: I am very keen to join and do a home swap but do you need to own your home to do it? I am currently renting a small flat in London. A: You don’t need to own your home to take part in a home exchange but, as you rent your flat, please check with your landlord before joining Home Base Holidays. If you explain the concept (i.e. you won’t be sub-letting and the swap will be for a limited period), most landlords should be happy that your home will be occupied while you’re away – but always check!

The new home swap newsletter is available now! Travel like a local and enjoy free stylish accommodation. Topics: Easter home swap offers Swap report: relaxing, sunny Sri Lanka Home swap tip: longer term exchanges Longer home exchange offers Kobo eReader competition: winning trip report entry published in March newsletter Read newsletter in full. Not a Home Base Holidays member yet? Sign up for a two week free trial

Swapping homes for holidays is a very personal arrangement where honesty is key. However, to attract potential exchange partners, it is important to give some thought on how to present your home and yourself in the best possible light in your listing description and exchange offer messages. Description: Give a detailed description of your home and area. If you are new to home swapping, read through a few Home Base Holidays listings for inspiration, especially those of members who are experienced exchangers. It can be difficult to see your home and local area from a visitor’s perspective –…

The capital and largest city of Italy, Rome, is well-known for its ancient architecture with wonderful palaces, millennium-old churches and grand romantic ruins, making the city to one of Europe's most visited and famous places. The historic centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with plenty of attractions to visit. Rome, also called the Eternal City, is regarded as one of the fashion capitals of the world and offers plenty of opportunities for shopping. But as fascinating as it can be, a trip to Rome can be an expensive investment with high-end hotels, high-priced entry tickets…

Most home exchange offers include a good description of the home and area, along with a variety of photos. It's also important for Home Base Holidays members to complete their Personal Profiles as this additional information is really useful in helping members find the best matches. If you haven't done this already, please login and click Edit Profile (under Dashboard). If you aren't yet a member, please complete your personal profile when you join. Photo Add a photo of yourself or your family. It is your choice whether you want to add a photo of course but, for most members, it makes…

On my first solo trip to Europe, in 1973 — just after high school graduation — I wrote postcards home nearly every day. I packed so much information onto each card that it was a challenge to read them without a magnifying glass. Looking back on these exuberant little reports back to my family (42 years later!) I can see a travel writer in waiting. While the writing is pretty goofy and the spelling may be off, the passion for experience was solid. (I would even tuck a little piece of sauerkraut under the postage stamp in an attempt to share the wonder of my experiences.) Here’s a card…

I enjoyed speaking at the LA Travel and Adventure Show this weekend. And a highlight was meeting the many teachers and students who incorporate travel into their classes and studies. For example, Shannon Northcott, who teaches at Whittier Christian High School in La Habra, Calif., took her students to see my talk. And from the looks on their faces, they are enjoying some pretty fun travel dreams. Happy travels — especially to parents and teachers who help their young people embrace our big wide world.

This is travel show season when nearly each weekend I visit a big city’s convention center and give talks at a travel show. If you always wondered if these are worth the time and money (around $10 to get in), here’s a quick tour from the Santa Clara show in California.

A few posts ago I asked for help giving my sister Jan’s Iditarod dogs European-travelly nicknames. Thank you for the overwhelming response, both here on the blog and on Facebook! After reviewing the hundreds of cool names you all submitted, my staff and I chose these as our favorites: Hanz, Franz, Yodel, Picnick, Vino, Capri, Grappa, Ouzo, Strudel, Schnitzel, Eiffel, Spritz, Abba, Fritz, Dolce, Ludwig, Euro, Pivo, Skol, Dali. But, of course, my sister is the musher and she’s the one who will be calling out these names in the Arctic wilderness as they carry her a thousand miles next month.

One of the questions I’m most commonly asked is, “How can I become a travel writer?” It’s a good question, and one that I enjoyed answering in my memoir, Postcards from Europe. While some of the specifics of getting your writing out there have changed in the social media age, I think that my own story of becoming a travel writer is still (mostly) relevant. Here’s an excerpt that I hope will inspire and inform any budding travel writers out there: I’m on the train to the Rhine. The burnt marshmallow-colored spires of Köln’s cathedral loom in the window of my…

Winter marks the transition to coldest months of the year and it means snuggling under your blanket or watching the snow falling outside while enjoying the warmth in front your fireplace. Moreover... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

There are a number of reasons to visit Puerto Rico, and every year millions of people choose it as their vacation destination. But of all of the reasons to travel to this tropical country, it’s... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Tripwolf is a social travel guide which covers over 200,000 destinations and points of interest throughout the world. Tripwolf is backed by MairDumont, Europe’s largest publisher of travel guides.... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

As Albert Camus would put it, autumn is really more of a “second spring”. How is this so? The leaves turn into brilliant fiery colors which actually make them look more like blossoms than leaves. If... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

For Muslims, the holy month of Ramadhan marks the beginning of a 30-day fasting period. They abstain from food from sunrise to sundown, and for some this may be quite an arduous task. Nonetheless... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

It’s nearly time to sink into spring break, with all its sandy style and revelry. And we think the chair you sit in is just as important as what you wear. The well-designed thrones cropping up this season have us swooning, so we’ve rounded up our favorite options to ensure that you relax like beach royalty. Image courtesy of manufacturer Sleek and modern are two words that come to mind for this rocking chair. The seat is made of sailcloth, and because it’s lightweight and foldable, it’s ideal for lounging on the beach—and the porch on those days when…

By homes editor Ellen McGauley Have you heard? Coastal Living is coming to Charleston, South Carolina! The first weekend in May, our editors will descend on the Holy City, along with a handful of editors from several of our sister magazines, like Travel & Leisure, Southern Living, Food & Wine, and Departures, for our first-ever Charleston Insiders Weekend. Image courtesy Charleston Insiders Weekend Join Coastal Living editor-in-chief Antonia van der Meer at this extra-special Southern gathering, packed with dinners, brunches, and “insider adventures” that…

That’s right, water babies. Beach and pool season is dawning, and the smashing new collection of beach towels by Tide & Pool has us all abuzz. Hot summertime colors + smart design will get us every time. Pop art is huge right now, as are fluid patterns that resemble marble or water. In fact, we’d use some of their new designs as wallpaper if we could. But for now, we’ll just drape these over our chaises and pool decks, and welcome warm weather with a bang. Which is your favorite? Image Courtesy of Tide & Pool Bebel pop art towel Image courtesy of Tide…

Sending our April “Outdoor Living” issue to press in the past few weeks has left us overly anxious for spring’s arrival—when the gardens wake up, the sun warms our daily walks, and our beach houses get a little busier with friends and family. Everyone seems ready to populate our patios and decks again! We thought it was as good a reason as any to highlight a few of our favorite outdoor living spaces from past CL Showhouses… in case you need one more reason to dream of spring. (Stay tuned for more on our 2015 East Hampton Showhouse, opening in July. It’s…

By travel editor Tracey Minkin While it might be easily agreed that the beach is always a place of color and fun, I am wowed at how UK design and architecture firms are taking public spaces along the shore to a whole new—and creative—level with colorful shelters, benches and windbreaks. Take, for example, this set of eight beach huts at England’s Southend, designed by the London firm of Pedder & Scampton. Not only do these bright, angled little changing areas and shelters set along the shore like a child’s blocks left behind, but they are eco-friendly, made with recycled…

Search for a major city on Google, and you’ll likely see hotel booking information in the knowledge graph box. Listed just under the city’s weather info, Google’s knowledge graph for city searches now includes the city’s average hotel star rating, costs, and a link to “View hotels.”

Google is making a stronger stake in the mobile travel sector by rolling out an updated flight-search tool that will enable consumers to use their mobile devices to search for fare prices and a slew of flight options and may cut into the crowded sector of booking applications.

It might seem counterintuitive, but millennials, the most online generation, is also the age group most likely to use travel agents. They turn to agents for curatorial assistance and to ensure they get the most bang for their buck.

Expedia.ca, the Canadian branch of the travel conglomerate, is ramping up to drive sales of hotel rooms, trip packages, car rentals and other leisure activities by enticing consumers to join mobile-optimized loyalty platform Expedia+, a tactic that is imperative for any travel marketer.

Mobile marketing is today’s emerging trend, and mastering it can make the difference between increased conversion and stagnation. Let’s explore how Travel and Hospitality industry leaders structure their mobile apps and then see what we can learn from some of the most successful brands in the world.

At Been Seen, we love creative design, and when we find it coupled with sustainable building it truly inspires us! Like our very own “The Pods” hotel, this pop-up pads are made for the modern nomad. Comfortable, stylish and eco friendly, we are definitely dreaming of carefree vacations! Eco-Hotel + Drop L have created this removable modular hotel rooms inspired by the organic shapes you can find in nature. This lightweightunits can be placed and removed in different terrains without leaving a negative impact on the environment. A fabulous room with a view that disappears into the…

Named to its list of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations, The National Trust for Historic Preservation has recognized Palm Springs as one of only twelve destinations for architectural tourism, and Preserve America has cited it as an important architectural preservation site. For good reason. Kicking it off in the late 1920s, the Hollywood party moved inland when the grande dame El Mirador Hotel went up (sadly since destroyed) and the famed Racquet Club drew the tennis and cocktails set. More stars followed and the great desert playground migration began along with an amazing story in…

A journey we never tire of, Corsica’s old world, laid back style and natural beauty always brings us back. So, this summer we returned again to rediscover some of our favorite boutique homes and get some new pix, new detail and new perspective. From the scent of the maquis and colors of sea and sky, and the enduring charm of the sweet and slightly goofy goats and donkeys that roam everywhere, it’s a sensory delight every time. Our first stop is always La Caseta. We love the garden and it’s old stone walls and shadows in the morning light. (It’s like…

08.06.14. Norway's Avant-garde Arctic Art. When your next to northern Norway, check out Sami Rintala's SALT architectural installations built with timber structures. Designed by Architect Sami Rintala and Artist Joar Nango and set to launch on August 29th, the unique art installation for the nomadic cultural festival, SALT, is a celebration of culture, art, music and architecture on the island of Sandhornøya. The festival's philosophy stems from celebrating a particular region, thus it is scheduled to move to different sites in the Arctic area.

When you visit Belgium, don’t get stuck in a traffic jam! Around the town of Chatillon, Belgium, hundreds of cars were left abandoned 70 years ago and no one really knows why! This car graveyard continues to remain a mystery. It was the end of WWII when these cars were left in the woods due to zombies! (just kidding) Actually, one theory speculates the cars belonged to U.S. soldiers who left them in a hurry on their way off the continent. Another theory, after the war ended the troops sent home couldn’t afford shipping out their cars so they hid them in the forest.

It’s hard to imagine Michael Eisner or Bob Iger taking to the softball field to play against hourly employees in a championship game. Or in anything, really. In the early 1970s, this was frequent scene…The post The Disney World Operating Committee Versus the Hourlies appeared first on MiceChat.

Sleeping Beauty Castle emerged from refurbishment last week, revealing a refreshed paint scheme that toned down some of the more saturated tones leftover from Disneyland‘s 50th Anniversary overlay. The Castle’s new look will get sparkly…The post Sleeping Beauty Castle emerges from refurbishment as Disneyland continues to prepare for its Diamond Celebration appeared first on MiceChat.

The Mousetalgia 3-day Disneyland trip: our own methods, secrets, and ideas for making the most of the standard 3-day trip to Disneyland Resort. When is it better to spend a little more, and where can…The post Mousetalgia Podcast 332: Three-day trips to Disneyland appeared first on MiceChat.

Spring is in the air at Disneyland Paris, and Max from DLP Welcome has news and a behind-the-scenes look at the Swing Into Spring celebration. –Rick Disneyland Paris Swings Into Spring by Max, DLP Welcome…The post Swing Into Spring at Disneyland Paris appeared first on MiceChat.

In this episode we take a look at the history of The Golden Horseshoe Saloon at Disneyland. We look at the building, shows, performers and more. This place is a great place filled with Disneyland…The post The Sweep Spot # 148 The Golden Horseshoe Saloon at Disneyland appeared first on MiceChat.

“This is coconut soup with fish sperm, matsutake mushroom and abalone,” said the waitress. She’d uttered it without so much as batting an eyelid. It took me a while to process what had just been said. Did I really hear that correctly? I checked – and, sure enough, I had. It was my first night […] Singapore in style… and an introduction to eating fish sperm! is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog The post Singapore in style… and an introduction to eating fish sperm! appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.

Taking a leisurely stroll through one of the many parks in Paris is a wonderful affair, with so much attention to detail and history, there’s always something new to discover. After a long day exploring the sights and museums, what could be better than grabbing a baguette, some wine and relaxing in some of the […] The 8 most beautiful parks and gardens of Paris is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog The post The 8 most beautiful parks and gardens of Paris appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.

Suite name: Deluxe Suite, La Villa de Mazamet Location: Tarn, France Size of accommodation: 52 sq m Cost per night: €190 per night, with a 15% discount from the third night onwards What makes it special: The Deluxe Suite provides the ultimate comfort at La Villa de Mazamet with space to relax and unwind with the most commanding views of […] Suite of the week: Deluxe Suite, La Villa de Mazamet, Tarn, France is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog The post Suite of the week: Deluxe Suite, La Villa de Mazamet, Tarn, France appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.

Located in the heart of the city’s Nihonbashi business district and consistently rated one of the finest hotels in Asia, the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo can be found a short walk from the ‘Bridge of Japan’ from which Nihonbashi takes its name. Situated on the upper floors of the Cesar Pelli-designed Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, where there […] Short stay: Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, Japan is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog The post Short stay: Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, Japan appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.

I’d been tipped off on how to get to the new Aman Tokyo on landing at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport: I was to take the monorail from the airport to Hamamatucho and to then take a taxi from there. The first part proved seamless, but the latter not so, with the first three taxi drivers all […] Short stay: Aman Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog The post Short stay: Aman Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan appeared first on A Luxury Travel Blog.

Many travellers will tell you effusive stories about climbing Mount Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo. I am not one of them. View from Mount Kinabalu 29 February 2004, 11 Years Ago This Week: This cloud shot was taken at Laban Rata, three quarters up Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in the Malay Archipelago. While Kinabalu is 4095 meters high, it’s hugely popular with tourists as it can be climbed without mountaineering gear. The Wikipedia page and various guide books describe the climb as “easy”. It’s certainly the most difficult easy thing I’ve ever done.

One of Angkor’s most ruined temples is also one of my favourites, despite it basically being a pile of rubble with some trees growing out of it Beng Mealea Temple, Angkor, Cambodia 23 February 2009, 6 Years Ago This Week: As I wrote in my post about the temple of Phanom Rung, an Angkor-era temple found in modern day Thailand, there is something about Angkor’s history that exercises a strange fascination over my imagination. There are other, equally mighty ancient empires that have collapsed and left behind enigmatic fragments to piece together and puzzle other – the Egyptians,…

One of the recurring themes of travelling is realising just how much gets lost in translation. Drugs Warning, Jakarta Airport, Indonesia 17 February 2008, 7 Years Ago This Week: Not quite sure the English translation of this drugs warning billboard in Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta airport has the same impact as the original Indonesian. Spotted on my way back from diving in Raja Ampat, one of the most pristine and diverse marine eco-systems in the world. It sure is purdy. What Is 12 Years Of Travel? I'm publishing a photo each week during 2015 that was taken in the same week sometime in the previous…

In February 2005, I went back to the beachside resort town of Khao Lak, six weeks after the December 2004 tsunami had all but destroyed it. Tsunami Damage, Khao Lak, Thailand 8 February 2005, 10 Years Ago This Week: When the tsunami happened on December 26 2004, I was in Kota Kinabalu, on a Christmas trip to Malaysian Borneo. During November 2004 I had been living in the town of Khao Lak, trying (not very hard) to find work as a scuba diving instructor but mainly propping up the bar. I left Khao Lak at the beginning of December. Three weeks later, on December 26 2004, the tsunami hit. Khao…

By Daniel NollLast year, we were asked by BBC Travel to share the story of how we — as a married couple — quit our jobs to travel the world. The editors asked that we focus on the decisions we made together and offer some tips and advice for traveling couples and others considering making the leap. They requested also that our perspective reflect not only the highs of our journey, but also some transparency on the struggles we’ve experienced along the way.No small feat to squeeze these various charges into one piece, but I think we did.In honor of relationships, in all manner of their…

By Daniel NollBefore recently traveling to Haiti, I had little concept of Haitian food. Sure, I had a sense of what it could be: island-informed, African-influenced, of Caribbean character, maybe even a hint of French. As with the country’s language, Haitian food has a sense of the Crèole, that is a blend of influences. Mixed roots and spices, basic yet zippy, simple and grounded by the reality of the tropics and the back-story of its African heritage, yet touched with a hint of French complexity. Black mushrooms, spices, bergamot, and more at the Marché en Fer in Port-au-Prince. Take…

By Daniel Noll On your next trip, don’t forget to pack your empathy.Whether on stage or on the page, I often assert that, “travel can not only improve each of our lives, but it can also make the world a better place.” I suggest this instinctively, but then I have to step back and ask myself, “Well, how exactly does travel do that? One of the pathways in my experience is through motivating a practice and expression of genuine empathy, or “the experience of understanding another person’s condition from their perspective.” Listening to, understanding and connecting with the…

By Audrey ScottThere are plenty of “2015 Hot Travel Destination” lists circulating, even though the dust has settled a bit on looks forward. As we field questions about our own favorite destinations, most memorable experiences and where we recommend people to travel this year, we thought we’d add a twist to the traditional 2015 travel lists and share some places that might not be on your travel radar — but maybe should be. In travel marketing speak, one might call these emerging, recovery or even under-discovered destinations. But in our experience, they are simply…

By Audrey Scott The end of the year is almost here. For many, us included, it is a time to take stock of one year’s passing before moving onto the next. We take pause before the champagne gets pulled out on New Year’s Eve for reflection, gratitude, and perspective on life, work and travel. In full disclosure, 2014 wasn’t the best of years for me. I lost my step-father and my grandfather earlier in the year, two people with whom I was very close. They were both inspirations to me in the importance of giving back, humility and telling great stories. They were always supportive of…

I packed silk long underwear, my warmest pants, boots, socks and other sundry cold weather gear for a last minute trip to NYC. It’s been years since I have visited my home town in February, and this year I was told the relentlessly arctic weather was unprecedented. Multiple images of the frozen Hudson River and moaning on Facebook made me truly ponder what to bring and how I was to survive the deep freeze. Once there, I was pleasantly surprised that my California outdoor gear was fine, better than fine, I actually enjoyed the blistering cold. I gave up on the outdoor ice skating idea, but…

The sharing economy seems to be changing how we manage fundamental parts of our lives. Companies like Uber, Airbnb and Zipcar are dramatically altering transportation, travel and our relationship to these services. It is not without controversy though, and it remains to be seen how we reconcile some of these very necessary services with other important factors such as insurance, safety, liveable wages and unionization, not to mention the housing cost crisis in many popular destinations here in the U.S. and abroad. As 2014 comes to a close, and the U.S. economy strengthens, more and more…

Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos in Spanish, is a colorful, celebratory holiday that mixes the macabre with the mundane and the magical. A day to remember, honor and celebrate those family members, friends, pets and even strangers who have passed. It happens about the same time as Halloween hijinx and mixes some of our spooky shenanigans with Mexican rituals, but, without the fear of those that have moved on. Although ghosts and skeletons play important roles, it is an enchanting and not so creepy portrayal of the un-living. Parties gather in cemeteries, bestowing offerings for those…

A good friend took a group of kids and parents rock climbing in the Sierras recently. We walked ten minutes to a steep rock face and unloaded the gear and started setting up. My son has taken indoor classes at a gym, and hanging out in that atmosphere, I have never been enticed to join in, but in the mountains, out in nature, it was a totally different story. I know my limits. Jumping out of a plane, bungee jumping from a bridge, crossing the Atlantic or Pacific in a small boat or running a marathon are not even remotely on my bucket list. That said, it’s invigorating to try new and…

It’s not that often a new, jaw-dropping cliff-side trail is opened. After much controversy and many years of debate, the Devil’s Slide Coastal Trail and companion tunnels are now in full swing and if you haven’t had a chance to walk, roll or run on the path it is certainly a great quick getaway for Bay Area folks. If you are planning a trip to San Francisco and want a manageable walk with Pacific Oceans views, make the trek just a 20-minute drive from the city. The trail opened this Spring and the tunnels have been open for a while longer. The trail is where Highway 1 used…

When and where serious medical emergencies occur are out of our control. Yet for some reason, when we imagine a medical situation, we tend to imagine being surrounded by family and friends, under the care of our own doctor. The numbers tell a different story. Serious accidents and illnesses can often happen away from home, leaving victims unprepared, frightened and alone. An urgent situation can quickly compound into a devastating upheaval of miscommunication and medical mishaps.

In this case, the Medjet member who was transported was able to return to her home hospital in Portland. If she had relied on the medical evacuation component of most travel insurance and platinum card plan her medical journey would have stopped in Lima, Peru.

If this Medjet member had relied on the medical evacuation component of most travel insurance and platinum card plans his medical journey would have stopped at the closest adequate facility, which in this case would be, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Travel insurance only goes so far. The question is, if you are hospitalized far from home, will it go far enough? Most kinds of travel insurance will only get you to the closest hospital. To get home, to your hospital, you need something more. You need MedjetAssist. In the video…

4. If I get sick or injured while traveling and need medical attention, a travel insurance policy will cover my expenses and get me home. Don't bet on it. Travel insurance typically provides the insured with a medical transfer to the "closest most appropriate medical facility as determined by the insurance company."

Alaska is dependent on a healthy marine environment to preserve its commercial fishing industry and the traditional subsistence harvest of seafood. Researchers are anticipating rapid changes in temperature and ocean acidification of the waters that support Alaska’s fisheries. A study has recently been published that promotes the use of an ocean acidification risk assessment for […] The post Ocean acidification risk assessment for Alaskan fisheries appeared first on Information About Alaska (IAA).

Causes of the Valdez Silver salmon run failure that occurred in 2014 are being examined by the local fish hatchery. Hatchery management with the Valdez Fisheries Development Association (VFDA), a private non-profit salmon hatchery in Prince William Sound, have been investigating the weak return of Coho or Silver salmon to the region that occurred last […] The post 2014 Valdez Silver Salmon Run Failure Examined appeared first on Information About Alaska (IAA).

Researchers working with the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council (PWSRCAC) have found what are believed to be the first documented freshwater springs found at the base of a tidewater glacier in Alaska. This investigation was conducted by the Prince William Sound Science Center in support of ongoing council research focused on Columbia Glacier. […] The post First known freshwater springs found beneath the face of Columbia Glacier appeared first on Information About Alaska (IAA).

Trap and snare safety for pet owners becomes important where animals are allowed to run off-leash without supervision. Pets wandering loose on public lands run the risk of encountering a leg hold trap or snare during the winter fur-trapping season. Quick action is vital to preventing injury or making the situation worse. The Alaska Department […] The post Trap and Snare Safety for Pet Owners appeared first on Information About Alaska (IAA).

Due to increases in the carbon dioxide (CO2) caused by global human development, Alaskan Fisheries are being threatened from ocean acidification. There are at least two highly productive crab fisheries located in state that could be harmed by the uptake of atmospheric CO2 into marine waters. A study published in Progress in Oceanography addresses this […] The post Alaskan Fisheries are being threatened from ocean acidification appeared first on Information About Alaska (IAA).

We love a good comeback story – and the revamp of the once-glamorous Malliouhana hotel on the isle of Anguilla is a rich tale. Opened in 1984 by a wealthy English garment baron and his landscape designer wife, this exclusive Caribbean retreat embodied the excess of that era: silver service, a dictionary-sized wine list and a massive pirate ship ‘sunk’ in the kiddie pool. We have visions of Dynasty at the beach. Who pushed JR into the pool? Under the tasteful direction of the luxury-experts at Auberge Resorts, Malliouhana was recently restored to its former glory and the jet-set…

Is your chakra in check? It’s a reasonable question should you find yourself in the Riviera Maya’s hippie hangout, Tulum. The seaside town is known for its spa rituals, many of them based on ancient Mayan and Aztec practices. That’s why we’ve rounded up the three therapies you won’t want to miss when you’re in this neck of the Yucatán. Save your mani/pedi for when you’re back home. 1. Aztec Chakra Balancing Massage, Yäan Wellness Energy Spa at Be Tulum Swedish, shiatsu, hot stone… you’re probably familiar with the usual massage methods.

Pause for a second and imagine the lullaby of the Indian Ocean’s gently lapping waves, the nimble fingers of a skilled masseur working the knots out of your shoulders and the scent of tropical flowers drifting in on a gentle breeze: ladies and gents, welcome to the magical Maldivian spa at Maalifushi by Como… Bali’s Como Shambhala Estate may have nabbed the Best Spa Hotel 2014 gong at the most recent Smith Hotel Awards, but its atoll-perched sister property Maalifushi by Como has a swish overwater offering that’s turning heads. With visage-refreshing Guinot…

Malta’s one of the hottest spots in Europe – Valletta‘s officially the sunniest capital on the continent – but its language is perhaps the coolest. You’ve have no problem whatsoever finding English speakers, of course (decades of British rule will do that to a country) but why not give the local lingo a go? Louise Pullicino, general manager of historic boutique hotel Casa Ellul in Valletta, gave us a quick primer on Maltese… Hello! – Bongu! Goodbye! – Caw! Please – Jekk Joghgbok Thank you – Grazzi Excuse me – Skuzani Do you speak English? – Inti titkellem…

When it comes to nabbing the best Mediterranean escapes, it pays to plan ahead. Just off the strikingly pretty Puglian coast, Borgo Egnazia has us aching to get our diaries out… STYLE Fairy-tale village resort SETTING Shore-side olive groves Why this week? If, like us, you’ve been lusting all winter for clear skies and warm seas, the first signs of spring are bound to trigger an uncontrollable desire to book a beach holiday. We prescribe a spot of Puglian pampering: Borgo Egnazia is offering 20 per cent off stays booked by 28 February (excluding July and August). Our favourite bits…

On the first Tuesday of each month, Dave Dean from Too Many Adapters gives us tips and advice on travel tech and gear. He is our resident expert, trying out new products and seeing what works so you end up with gear that doesn’t break and a laptop not filled with viruses! This month’s column is about how to pick the best phone for when you travel. As a travel tech writer, I get asked about using smartphones when we travel. The minute we head overseas with our phones, we’re hit with a confusing mess of technical jargon, expensive roaming agreements, conflicting advice and…

At the end of 2013, I started leading group trips. I’ve done four so far and have really enjoyed them. I like meeting readers, exposing others to my travel style and taking them around to some of my favorite places in Europe. I want others to fall in love with the places that made me love travel so much. This year I’ll be offering two short tours in the fall: one to Paris and Amsterdam and one to Prague and Vienna. (You can find the details below.) If you’re looking to travel with like-minded people, this tour is for you. People on my tours become fast friends and remain in…

What makes a nomad a nomad? Or a backpacker a backpacker? How do you define a budget traveler? Am I a nomad because I move around a lot or did I give up the rights to call myself that when I got an apartment? Am I a luxury traveler because I stay in a hotels or a budget one because I use points to stay in them for free? I was faced with these questions last month when asked how it felt to no longer be a nomad. I responded by saying I didn’t feel any different nor did I think the label had any special meaning. Once a traveler, always a traveler! There are a lot of names for people who…

On the third Friday Saturday of every month, Cameron Wears from The Traveling Canucks is here to give us tips and advice on how to travel better with your kids. This is an often requested topic so I’m excited to have him on the team! Here is this month’s article. Before having kids, we didn’t spend much time thinking about what travel would be like with little ones. We knew having kids would be a big part of our future and, like many newlyweds, we mistakenly assumed our days of travel would be put on hold when the babies arrived. Over the past few years, I’ve heard…

I hate New Year’s Eve. To me, it’s a non-holiday. A night out where bars have an excuse to overcharge customers, people get excited for a twenty second countdown, and you realize after the clock turns over that life is still the same. New Year’s Eve is just another night. I typically spend the “holiday” with my friends in some foreign country and am home shortly after midnight. I don’t see what the fuss is about. Yet, despite my dislike for the night, two events have always been on my “must do on New Year’s” list: Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and Sydney’s firework…

1) Buying the first one you seeThere are approximately 6,000 timeshare resorts out there and there is no such thing as the “best” one. Don’t get caught in the trap of purchasing the first one you see or look at online. Also, remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it generally is.2) Believing everything you hear, good or badThis goes from the salesperson trying to sell you the timeshare, to your neighbor who says that all timeshares are crap. It is YOUR money, it is YOUR vacation and it is YOUR decision. Read reviews, talk to…

Ah, the “good old days” of categorizing timeshare weeks by color. Remember hearing “Orlando is all red, all the time” or “the reason you can’t trade your week is that you own a green week”?If you’ve owned a timeshare for any length of time, you may yearn for these times, or worse, not know that neither RCI nor Interval International uses color codes anymore. RCI used to use a red/white/blue system, where red weeks were the highest in demand. Interval International used red/yellow/green, where again, red weeks were the highest in demand.While color codes were…

First of, two disclaimers:1) I am NOT a millennial, no matter how young I like to think I am. I am a baby-boomer.2) I have NOT employed a research company and spent a fortune coming up with this.Now then...there's been a LOT of talk lately about what the timeshare industry needs to do to attract millennials. And while it is true that millennials do want some amenities in a timeshare that some older people might not find all that useful, i.e. Wi-Fi, and more electrical outlets, my contention is that when it comes to timeshares, millennials are no different than…

I am reprinting this important article from our friends at Mindtimeshare (http://www.mindtimeshare.com) in Spain. It contains some great information and they share our stance on cold callers...which is to avoid them.If you ever have a question about a company related to timeshare matters, please save yourself time, aggravation and money by calling a trusted source such as Timeshare Insights, Mindtimeshare,, TATOC and/or The National Timeshare Owners Association before moving forward. Often ‘dubious’ companies targeting timeshare owners are presented under a simple trade…

As 2014 is almost over with, I thought I'd end the year saying yet again, that consumers rule. No obscene amount of money that someone at a corporation spends on a "reputation management" company will change that.Over the past week, some new commercials have been airing here in the Orlando area for a car dealer. They feature supposedly unscripted testimonials from consumers about the car buying experience. Are these truly unscripted? I don't know. But, what I like about the spots is that the dealer has the good sense to acknowledge the fact that 99.9% of people…

A river cruise ship plying the Rhine River in Germany. Avalon Waterways photo. River Cruising Resurgent: New Rivers, New Ships for 2015 By Erica Garnett Cruising into the new year can be as... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The magnificent Oxford quad.The Oxford Experience: English Culture and Classes at Christ Church By Eleanor Harte If you’ve ever wanted to eat in the Hogwarts Great Hall, here’s your chance. Well,... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Moorish Palace in Tivoli. Copenhagen, Denmark Have you Ever been to Freetown Christiania? By Monica Gray Where Denmark is one of the Scandinavian countries located in Northern... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Medical Tourism: Here Is a Good Place to Start Your Research By J. David Drane If you had told me last year that you were going to Thailand to have dental work done, I would have suggested... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

A house in Natunya, Northern Ghana. Joey Anchondo photos. The Drums of Death in Natunya, Ghana By Joey Anchondo The dehydrated dirt roads, perspiration-glazed vinyl bus seats, and meandering... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Click on above photo to view it in large format: Winter scene at Goose Lake Prairie State Park in Morris, IL, where reclaimed prairie demonstrates the landscape that once covered 60 percent of the State (Visited 17 times, 17 visits today)The post PHOTO: Goose Lake Prairie State Park, Morris, Illinois appeared first on Hole In The Donut Cultural Travel.

Click on above photo to view it in large format: Like a giant cut diamond, this chunk of ice sits on the edge of a melting ice sheet on the Kankakee River in Wilmington, Illinois (Visited 61 times, 61 visits today)The post PHOTO: Melting Ice Sheet on the Kankakee River in Illinois appeared first on Hole In The Donut Cultural Travel.

Click on above photo to view it in large format: When the thaw comes each spring on the Kankakee River in Wilmington, Illinois, the frozen river breaks up into mini icebergs and crystal ice formations (Visited 55 times, 55 visits today)The post PHOTO: Winter Thaw on the Kankakee River in Illinois appeared first on Hole In The Donut Cultural Travel.

Click on above photo to view it in large format: Brilliant blue sky provides gorgeous backdrop for frost-coated trees after a winter storm in Wilmington, Illinois (Visited 104 times, 104 visits today)The post PHOTO: Frost-Coated Trees After an Illinois Winter Storm appeared first on Hole In The Donut Cultural Travel.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve looked at a building in Chicago and wondered about its history or wished I could see inside. Fortunately, one weekend each year, the Chicago Architecture Foundation makes that possible during Open House Chicago, a citywide architectural festival that offers free, behind-the-scenes access to more than 150 buildings around the city. With so many intriguing buildings on display, choosing which one to visit was the most difficult part. I was tempted by famous downtown skyscrapers like the Tribune Tower, properties such as the Frank Lloyd Wright mansion,…

Lean roast duck in Thailand Thailand has great roast duck I’ve always tried to like duck, but it’s usually either too greasy or comes in a fairly sparse dish. Because of this I didn’t think much of it when I kept seeing it on Thai menus. Then one random day I decided to give it a go. It was a good decision. For my first roasted duck meal I was served up a tender juicy slices of roast duck on a bed of steamed dumplings served with spinach and noodles. Not only did the meal look good but it tasted great too. What does roasted duck taste like in Thailand? The duck itself was…

Sukhothai’s historic northern complex is best visited early in the morning Visit the northern historic complex early in the morning for the best views If you are spending a few days in Sukhothai I suggest you visit the northern complex first at dawn. Wat Si Chum itself faces the east so it catches the light beautifully on a good morning. There’s no need to hire a guide as it’s all very easy by oneself. Keep in mind that Sukhothai historical park is made up of five complexes. A central one, then one to the north, west, south and east. You need a ticket (100 baht for each…

A plate of quick fried prawns with rice from Thailand Fried prawns with heaps of garlic Prawns are one of Thailand’s tastiest meats. They are abundant, large and every so meaty. While many prawns are barbecued I found a second treat waiting in many a restaurant or local cafe. Quick fried prawns with minced garlic. It hit the flavor scale right at the very top of the Thai taste scale. Garlic and prawns go together so well I wasn’t expecting the quick fried prawns to come with so much garlic. I was suspecting they would come mixed with rice. So when I watched the lady cook them…

Sukhothai’s historical park is a must for anyone who enjoys open green space and fantasic temples How to prepare for a visit to Sukhothai Historic park in Thailand Normally I like to get out and see a town before exploring its main highlight. In Sukhothai’s case that highlight are the stunning ruins in the old part of the city which contains the historical park. Sukhothai is Thailand’s answer to Angkor Wat in Cambodia Due to the fact I opted to stay in the new part of Sukhothai I’d have to make the short journey to old Sukhothai. Something that seemed like a nice…

When in Thailand you can’t go wrong with pork! Fried pork in Thailand is the carnivorous answer to a good meal As a voracious carnivore I often run into a problem with Thai food. While many dishes include meat, it seems to be rather rationed in most. That shredded (pulled) pork dish might be tasty but the port is scarcely seen. I’ve found the solution. Just ask for fried pork (which isn’t really fried but roasted). Roasted “fried” pork Thailand’s a strange place where something is quite often not what it seems. Having discovered Thai fried pork at a Thai…

New Mexico is often hailed as one of the most vibrant states in the US and we couldn’t agree more. Our previous trips to the Land of Enchantment have been nothing short of spectacular. In fact, we were certain that we’d seen all there was to be seen. However, today’s guest writer, Sam Lowe, is here to prove us wrong as he takes us to two incredible off-the-beaten-path sites in New Mexico’s national park system. New Mexico’s motto is “the Land of Enchantment,” and truer words have rarely been spoken. The state is filled with all the touristy cliches, including…

The view of Milford Sound from the deck of Silver Spirit Donna here: Hello from Sydney, Australia. Last Saturday, we sailed the scenic Milford Sound before crossing the Tasman Sea to begin the Australia portion of our itinerary — Melbourne, Tasmania and Sydney. The highlight for us was attending a performance of Madame Butterfly at Sydney Opera House. Silversea treated all 140 guests sailing on the entire Grand Pacific Voyage (64 days) to a harbor cruise, dinner and the opera performance. What a night! Nicole here: Brisbane and New Caledonia our next up on Donna and Alan’s South…

Donna paragliding over Maui From a very young age, we are taught to behave ourselves. Use your inside voice! Don’t spoil your appetite! You can’t wear that on the street! Walk, don’t run! Be a good girl! Be a good boy! Well, what happens if we don’t want to be good anymore? Just when is it okay to not use our inside voice, but rather scream with excitement and laugher at the top of our lungs whenever we want? When Fox Searchlight Pictures asked us to promote the upcoming The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, it got us to thinking about how much courage it takes to…

Pardon the cliché, but exploring Spain is very much like peeling a multi-layered onion. From its verdant northwest coastal areas to the spirited and traditional Andalusia, Spain’s various regions are incredibly diverse. Few who have had the pleasure of exploring the Iberian Peninsula could argue otherwise. Of course, as usual, it’s typically the off-the-beaten-path pueblos that really tend to impress the curious wanderer. For those coming to Spain and looking for a recommendation, I always suggest a day or weekend trip to Segovia. Just under two hours from Madrid by car, this…

The view as Donna and Alan cruised into incredible New Zealand. Nicole here reporting for Donna, who is currently exploring the many ports of New Zealand. Although I’m sure she has tons to tells us about this week’s adventures, unfortunately, the Internet has been like some of their last fews days at sea: rocky. So, I’m here to recap the week for you. The My Itchy Travel Feet duo are well into their 64 day cruise through the South Pacific, having just arrived in New Zealand this week. Their itinerary is filled with all kinds of adventures in the Bay of Islands, Auckland,…

Few periods in American history are as enchanting as the frontier days of the wild, wild west. What’s not to love? Bucking broncos, grizzled cowboys, hopeful prospectors – even hardy maidens taming the wild deserts and prairies. Many of today’s most fabled 19th century boom towns offer visitors a chance to step back in time […]

There are so many opportunities that are available when referring to vacation rentals. The big problem is that it is difficult to realize what the best options are. It is really important that you take advantage of the education that is already available for you. There are countless vacation rentals books and manuals that you […]

The city of Vilnius, located in the east of Lithuania, is one of the most attractive and alluring destinations for those tourists interested in exploring Eastern Europe and visiting an amazing city they will never be able to forget. Widely known as the capital of the country, Vilnius is much more than an administrative centre […]

Chicago isn’t just known for its famous sports teams, deep dish pizza, and windy weather. Historically speaking, some of the most famous landmark hotels are found in Chicago. Many notable people from the past have also graced these elegant establishments. 1. The Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel The Blackstone, though now restored to […]

One of the most culturally renowned capitals in the world, Vienna is a wonderful mix of artistic and imperial history. With nicknames such as the “city of dreams” and the “city of music”, it’s no wonder Vienna is one of the most visited, respected cities in the world. For a perfect Vienna city break, here […]

Two years ago today, I was pregnant in the morning and had Stella in my arms by the afternoon. I still marvel at her the same way and think, “I get to keep her.” The post-birth feeling with both of my kids has been this disbelief mixed with the sense that maybe you’re getting away with something. “So… I can just take this baby home with me? You’re just going to let us walk out the door with this child, no questions asked?” Yes. They will. And then you can do whatever you want. Like take your daughter to Turkey, where they treat her like visiting…

A snowstorm hit Istanbul, so I bundled up the kids and headed over to the Galata tower. It’s a tourist destination, but with the bad weather, the line that wrapped around the building the day before had disappeared. We walked up to the front door, paid the fee and took the elevator to the roof. It was VIP treatment for the price of braving the cold. Of course the snow and wind was so intense that I couldn’t brave the thin balcony that runs along the edge, where you can view of the entire city. Instead I peaked out at the white-washed cityscape from behind glass and ordered tea.

While I’m traveling around Turkey with the kids, Drew is in the US, touring the documentary we made together: The Wireless Generation. (Yay, Drew!) Anyway, he reports a warm and enthusiastically positive response on the film’s premiere in Seattle and will be continuing on to the rest of his scheduled dates. Here’s his report: The last time I was in Seattle, it was to get my license and a van so we could head down to Mexico to find a place to have Stella. It was culture shock coming back, I could feel a sort of frantic, desperate energy from the people here in a way I never…

The Turkish breakfast is habit-forming. You pop into an adorable little café, pick up a menu and there it is. For $6 or maybe $8, you can order a spread of food to feed your entire family. Or at least my family, with the two little ones we have yet to eat it all. My companions have adjusted to their new surroundings quickly. Here Stella is reading an art magazine. (Photo taken just before I delicately removed said magazine before she ripped out pages, chewed on it or used it to swat her glass of juice off the table. I mean she’s good, but she’s still just shy of two.) Cole, even…

A few years ago I felt burned out on blogging, so I did something strange… I started teaching it. I craved a place where I could talk about this thing I loved, getting to write and take photos for a living, but in a way that I wasn’t seeing online. There’s some great materials and courses out there for how to market your blog, or how to hack social media, but I was more interested in talking about how we do this crazy thing: telling a single story over years and years. Blogs are different from writing a book, an article or pretty much anything else. There will always be…

I know that one thing parents worry the most about when traveling with their children are the “what ifs”. What if someone gets sick? What if someone gets hurt? What if I make a bad choice and our time together is ruined? (And if you’re looking for a list of what to have on hand to help in the event of minor disasters, the final chapter of my book contains that very thing.) The two anecdotes in this post come from a ski weekend at Magic Mountain in southern Vermont. I’m sharing them because in general the weekend was wonderful. We stayed in a comfortable lodge at the base of the…

Why hello yeah – it’s been a while. Not much – how ’bout you? With all due apologies to England Dan and John Ford Coley and their 1976 soft-rock hit, it’s been some time since I’ve written regularly here and I feel that some re-introductions are in order. It’s me, Mara, and this is my website. I love to share stories here about traveling with kids, both around the globe and around the block. My mission is always to inspire and show parents that not only is family travel possible, it’s one of the best things you can spend your time and treasure…

Who couldn’t use a little travel inspiration at this time of year? With all of the holiday busyness and (if you live in the Northern Hemisphere) the short days where darkness descends before you’ve even finished your afternoon cup of coffee, it’s easy to feel like hibernating. Luckily there are events like Women’s Travel Fest to look forward to. Love the message on these t-shirts! (Photo courtesy of Women’s Travel Fest) I attended Women’s Travel Fest last year when it was a one-day event in New York City. It was one of the more fun travel meet-ups…

Do you keep lists of places you want to visit but haven’t yet? I do. Some of them are on there because of a book I read or a painting I love; others have a dessert that is just calling my name (you had me at guten tag, apple strudel). There are mountains I’d like to climb and churches where I’d love to pray. Until recently, Honduras wasn’t on that list. I knew little about it, and what I did know was not happy. Drug gangs. A high murder rate. Corruption. Violent crime. But then I saw this photo. Carrots happen to be an absolute favorite form of sustenance around my house – both of…

Originally published in 2008, this post about Halloween treats (and my kids costumes) has become something of a tradition for me. It’s the only post I return to and annually update, and I kind of enjoy the chance to walk down a spooky memory lane – both looking at Halloween costumes and some of the treats we’ve sampled on our travels. Hope you enjoy! My oldest child is somewhat famous around these parts for choosing over the course of his short life a number of unusual Halloween costumes. In the spirit of the season, I thought it would be fun to feature both a montage of…

Roanoke, Virginia and the entire area near the Blue Ridge Parkway have experienced enormous culinary growth in recent years. Roanoke now hosts several places for eating and food shopping, and that's just the beginning of the America's famous Blue Ridge Parkway.

TweetIt’s a question of taste and the traveling circumstances: how many people does it take to have the best journey possible? Whether you decide to travel alone, with a partner or a whole gang – every one of these combos has its own advantages and disadvantages. Traveling alone – Between freedom and boredom […] The post Solo or in company – what’s the best way to travel? appeared first on tripwolf travel blog - your travel guide.

TweetSpring is almost here and with it the perfect time to explore great cities. And there’s no better to do so than in a market! There you can find the great cuisine, culture, and people of a city or even an entire country. And for this reason, we would like to present you our 5 […] The post The 5 most beautiful markets in Europe appeared first on tripwolf travel blog - your travel guide.

TweetCold, rain and snow and nothing blue to spot on the sky for days? Winter sure is a very unique season, but in the long-term can really get you down. No worries though, we’ve got the cure: travelling. Get inspired by our list of ten colorful destinations! Valladolid (Mexico) You’ll find houses colored in […] The post Colorful destinations to lighten up your winter mood appeared first on tripwolf travel blog - your travel guide.

TweetNo worries, this is not going to be just another story on how to get that last-minute room in Paris. In fact we believe if you’re already that far behind schedule, you might as well surprise your significant other with a more creative trip for Valentine’s day. We’ve prepared a list of five destinations that […] The post Romantic last-minute travel tips appeared first on tripwolf travel blog - your travel guide.

TweetArticle translated from the German version of tripwolf’s author Christin. We have often presented the peculiarities of different countries to you, but today it’s getting a little sportier! This coming weekend, one of the most important sports events in the world is taking place, and that is why we are showing you the sporting highlights […] The post Around the world: the sporting highlights of the year appeared first on tripwolf travel blog - your travel guide.

Traders and guides on the Santa Fe Trail at Bent's Old Fort during one of their many re--enactment events.Few roads in history have conjured up romantic images like the Santa Fe Trail. It lasted only 60 years, from 1821 to 1880, but for that short time it was America’s first international highway. And the most colorful. Across 900 miles of open prairie, from Missouri to Old Mexico, the Santa Fe Trail became one of the most important commerce roads in the world, bringing goods from Europe -- wool, silk, iron tools and cotton cloth -- to Mexico and returning with furs,…

From Presidio National ParkMost cities have parks inside them. But San Francisco is a city inside a park. And an 80,000-acre national park at that. Along the coast, in the bay, on the other side of the bay, and even right through the heart of the city, San Francisco is surrounded and cut by a series of national parks and monuments that have preserved the beauty and history of the area. Today, you can see an island prison that was once home to the gangsters Al “Scarface” Capone and “Machine Gun” Kelly. You stroll the wooden deck of a century old sailing…

Varenna has train service. From here you have to take a ferry to Bellagio. The Italians are many wonderful things – but slow, safe and sane drivers, they are not. Italian highways resemble race tracks more than roads, and cars can be expensive and a hassle in the country’s ancient, pedestrian-oriented cities. The solution is to tour Italy by train. All the grand stops of Northern Italy are 2-3 hours apart by rail. Italian train cars are efficient and comfortable and many seats come with tables and power outlets so you can catch up on emails as you zip through the…

The dancing fountains of Bellagio.It was winter and I’d had enough of America. Too much snow, too much cold, too many chain stores and too much traffic. I needed a summer in Europe. I needed to walk in twilight past splashing fountains, to linger over a good meal at an outdoor cafe, to feel the sun and the rustle of green tree branches overhead, to see flowers and statuary and history and art, all placed around me, for no reason except for their beauty. I needed to experience the joy de vie, the wines and the haute cuisine of the French and Italians.And so I went to…

"Call of the Bugle," by J.K. Ralston is one of the more accurate depictions. On the afternoon of June 26, 1876, on high bluffs above the Little Big Horn River, Col. George Armstrong Custer halted the 7thCavalry and dictated an order. “Benteen. Come On. Big Village. Be Quick. Bring Packs. P.S. Bring Packs.” The order was scribbled and handed to trumpeter John Martin, who grabbed it and galloped off in the direction of Captain Benteen and the left battalion of Custer’s command. As he rode away, the trumpeter turned in his saddle for…

If you saw me in December 2014, then you’d know that I had been battling an autoimmune flare since mid-July. December and January were my worst months, although the month of July also ranks right up there for being completely miserable. The doctors weren’t sure how to bring my inflammation levels down, and I was acting as a guinea pig while they tested out the right combination of drugs to bring my system back into a state of normalcy. (Well, normal for me. Believe me, it’s not anywhere close to normal normal.) The only problem, though, was that I had a massive reaction to…

It’s the Year of the Goat. We are celebrating our ninth Chinese New Year in Taiwan. Well, technically it’s our sixth if you count the times we left Taiwan for a beach vacation, but you know what I mean! Additionally, I’m two years into my first full zodiac cycle in Asia. I moved here in 2003 and saw the completion of my first 12-year zodiac cycle last year. 13 years ago, SARS was just getting started in China when I moved there, and 12 years ago, it was drawing to an end. Interesting, huh? Anyways, today is Chinese New Year’s Day. The Year of the Goat officially…

Wulai is an aboriginal village in Northern Taipei about an hour outside of Taipei. It is best known for its natural hot springs and Atayal aboriginal culture, and I consider it to be among the most picturesque towns in Taiwan. The town is named after an Atayal phrase that translates to boiling water or hot and poisonous. This is the Atayal’s term for hot springs, and the natural hot spring water that bubbles up along the riverbanks of the river that divides this gorgeous little area are clear and odorless. The hot spring waters here nourish the skin, assist with muscle pain, promote…

I come from haunts of coot and hern,I make a sudden sally,And sparkle out among the fernTo bicker down a valley. – Alfred Tennyson Of all the exotic vegetables and fruits that Taiwan offers, one of my favorite greens is a mountain green that is known here as shanshu. The rest of the world likely knows it as a common house plant, but I bet most people don’t know that you can eat it. This lovely green fern is known as Asplenium nidus or the South Pacific Bird’s Nest Fern, and it is typically found in humid environments, like the rain forests of Taiwan and of eastern…

This is my third year participating in the GoodReads book challenge. Now everyone knows I love to read, and most people know that I will read pretty much anything I can get my hands on. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve surpassed reading goals easily. At age six, I joined the MS Read-a-Thon at Carembeck Public School. This was a charity event that required us to find sponsors that would donate a certain amount of money for each book read. My parents had to sign off on the books I read, and they did that by questioning me about the story lines. I ended up raising a lot of money for Multiple…

We love Jalle’s videos, and their quality is even more amazing when you consider they are shot with nothing more sophisticated than a mobile phone! This one is the highlight video from his most recent trip to Lanzarote, and it takes us all over the island in under five read more »

Best You Lanzarote offer a range of retreat holidays on the island and they’ve just launched a competition for someone to win a week here in April 2015. Gill Pegge who owns and runs Best You Lanzarote is a qualified naturopathic nutritional therapist, meditation teacher, personal performance life coach and stress management counsellor, who has been improving the lives of residents since relocating to the island in 2012. At the moment there are four different retreats available during 2015, each one is limited to a maximum number of 6 people. The retreat accommodation is a luxury villa in…

San Bartolomé’s New Tourist Guide San Bartolomé Ayuntamiento launched a new tourism guide last week. The municipality, not known currently for tourism, is looking to attract more visitors and the guidebook, sponsored by Cicar, has details of places to eat and drink, Museo Tanit and various nature trails. The launch was attended by councillor for tourism, David Rocio Perez, The Canarian government’s Director General of tourism, Rita Hernandez Callero and Héctor Fernandez Machado, Director for Foreign promotion of Lanzarote. read more »

We’ve written about the regular films available at Cine 6D at Arrecife Marina – read about those amazing high speed simulator rides here. But we had a real privilege recently, when we were some of the first to experience their latest movie. It’s a “Skyride” over Lanzarote! Here's the promotional video: read more »

We stopped and took some photos of the magnificent camel sculpture on the roundabout at the bottom of Femés yesterday and I immediately imagined the surprise and delight on the faces of tourists heading down to Playa Blanca on their first visit to the island. Yaiza Ayuntamiento has rightly taken plenty of criticism over recent years for some dubious planning decisions, but I believe the camels and the new windmill on the roundabout as you come in to Playa Blanca should be applauded as good decisions. First impressions do count. Other town halls should take a leaf out of Yaiza’s book. I…

I began exploring Canada through dance in 2008. The idea was to learn about the cultures that made up the country through the traditional dances that they had been practicing for countless generations. I wanted to share what I was learning so that those who were also interested in culture, history and, above all, people, could learn more about their own country. I pitched the idea as a TV show but had no bites. Getting restless of waiting around for an opportunity to present itself, I decided to do the research anyways and share the stories I was learning through the written word. Four years…

The Responsible Safari Company (RSC) and Youth for Development and Productivity (YODEP) are in the process of designing a Homestay Initiative through which guests can experience authentic village life in Malawi. The hope is that through guests experiencing day-to-day life and taking part in traditional customs, local people will appreciate the importance of safeguarding their cultural practices and traditions, despite the speed with which the world is changing around them. It will also be an income-generating activity for YODEP, sponsored by RSC. At the same time, guests will learn about…

Digital marketing for hotels is complex. In an ideal world, every hotel would welcome all online bookings directly through its website, mobile website or Facebook page. Unless the hotel is the only one in town, though, the reality is decidedly different, so most hotels use third-party distributors like OTAs (online travel agency) or GDS (global distribution system) networks to complement their direct sales efforts. The trick is to establish a good balance between them. The Hotel Link Solutions HealthCheck service is free and provides a scored report for accommodations using 55 separate…

This post is written as our contribution to the #JustOneRhino fundraising campaign. It benefits the ambitious and very expensive Rhinos Without Borders goal of translocating no fewer than 100 rhinoceros from South Africa to Botswana by mid-2015. For more about the #JustOneRhino campaign, including how you can make a donation and the $30,000 in raffle prizes on offer to all generous benefactors, please see below. The only roadside clue that, hidden deep in the bush, is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the home to Uganda’s only rhinoceros. Photo courtesy of Ethan Gelber There’s one place…

This post is part of my Editor’s Note in Adventures Less Ordinary: How to Travel and Do Good, a free guide to mindful adventures. Drawing on the combined expertise of two dozen leading voices advocating for travel that makes a difference, it is a guide for compassionate people seeking the ultimate adventure – one guided as much by the good you give as the good you get. To order your copy, enter your email address in the form directly below. When photographing an object in motion, you have three principal options: use an incredibly fast shutter speed for a crisp capture of both the…

Cuba has been taunting me for two decades. Its renown, made palpably present here in the United States through its insuppressible culture (Buena Vista Social Club is just the tip of the iceberg!), has been a constant lure. But, based as I am in New York City, Cuba is so very close and yet so very far. Cigars and colorful culture are two stereotypical qualities of Cuba. But there’s a whole lot more to the country! Photo courtesy of International Expeditions All politics aside for the moment, Cuba’s resistance to many contemporary practices and its notoriety for so many wrong…

So when Grekland Panorama - a tourism, culture, and gastronomy travel fair dedicated solely to Greece and Cyprus - came to Stockholm in mid February, I carted the family with me and we headed over to Globen to explore the different islands and boards represented...

Photographer Shaikha Al Khayyal is an Emirati marketeer with over 10 years of experience in events and sponsorship management. She is currently living in Abu Dhabi, and pursuing her graduate studies in Tourism and Cultural Communication...

[section]When traveling the world on a budget, the most common accommodation option is a hostel. They are like your home away from home.There are so many hostels out there these days, and it’s not always easy to find one that you feel comfortable at and where you get your money's worth. Bad hostels can ruin your time in a place, and good hostels can enhance your time spent in that particular city.I would guess that I have stayed in about 100 different hostels around the world, especially in Southeast Asia, Central America, and Europe.There weren’t many that did it all for me. The five…

[section]Egypt’s history is incredibly rich, and that has left it with a country full of important sites. Most of them are along the length of the Nile river, but there are so many it takes time to see them. Luckily, if you budget properly, you’ll be able to stay long enough to have a great experience and take in this country’s wondrous history.[/section] [banner type="red" subscribe="hide" description="hide" title="Add Egypt to your RTW trip by using Indie" button="Customize this route to make it your own"…

[section]Ever since my friend Lea Woodward coined the term Location Independent almost a decade ago, there’s been a migration of sorts, away from fixed location careers to creative and entrepreneurial solutions that allow outside the box thinkers to create what appears to be the best of both worlds. Gone are the days when a dream to travel the world meant trading your place on the career ladder. Gone are the days when having a successful career meant landing a “good job” right out of college, working hard and loyally with company for thirty five years, and then getting a gold watch…

[section]While there are certainly some downfalls to all the technology available to us today, it sure does help the long-term traveler, especially when it comes to staying on top of finances at home while off gallivanting the globe.[/section] [banner type="red" subscribe="hide" description="hide" title="This is part of our free planning e-course" button="Sign up now and receive your first email within the hour" button_link="http://www.bootsnall.com/rtw/30days" ][section]Even if you're a personal finance geek and budgeting fiend, you're going to want to have your bills and budget streamlined…

[section]A deep sense of history, the ability to see the Red, the Dead, and the Med (seas) in one trip, sights of ancient and religious importance, a good smattering of Bauhaus, ports, and places to party, Israel and the Palestinian Territories have enough sights to make even the most easily bored backpacker floundering for what to see and do next.The first time I bumped into a backpacker from Israel I was pleasantly intrigued that someone from a country I knew relatively little about would have the same travel bug that seems to plague so many Europeans and Australians (among others). After a…

Steeped in history and known throughout the globe as a country with its own very distinct culture and way of doing things, Ireland is a tourist’s paradise. Although green, rolling countryside; historical sites and incredibly talkative locals are indeed big parts of Ireland, there’s more to the place than these stereotypical features, proving the emerald isle isn’t all about Leprechaun souvenirs and kissing the Blarney Stone, and there’s heaps of things for tourists to see and experience. Ireland’s natural monuments are truly spectacular. The Cliffs of Moher,…

Choosing the best attractions in Singapore was no easy task; this is a city bursting to the seams with impressive things to see and do. Almost everyone will have seen an image of the city’s symbol, the Merlion, and this makes our list alongside the nearby Marina Bay Sands SkyPark and Singapore Flyer – both of which offer breathtaking views across the iconic Singapore skyline. This tiny island state is also a land of contrasts; Chinatown and Little India, both gastronomic and shopping hubs in their own right, represent the incredible ethnic diversity of the country. For nightlife we’ve…

Are you searching for the most adventurous and very romantic place for the summer holidays? Explore Kenya. The most favourite tourist destination for decades. Kenya has best safari destinations, 20 national parks, mountains, beaches, towns, coffee plantains and landscapes. Masai Mara National reserve : Masai Mara National reserve is a large and most popular game reserve at south west of Kenya. This place is rich in flora and fauna. Here, you can see thousands species of animals and birds. Not only a regularly seeing lions, cheetah , jackal and foxes but also a rare species. Black rhinos are…

A beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage that blends Asian and European influence, Malaysia offers countless attractions to the discerning traveler. We explore some of the best cultural and natural sights, venues and places in Malaysia, from Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market to Malacca’s A Famosa fortress. Central Market in Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market is a bustling, colourful market packed with stalls and eateries. The market is housed in a unique, art deco-styled building that first opened in 1888. Because the wet market selling fresh food which was originally…

In many ways Sweden has become a traveler’s paradise. If you love the outdoors, it’s certainly hard to beat. The air and water are crystal clean, there are thousands of acres of unspoiled forests and majestic lakes to explore, the roads and public transport are excellent, the citizens are invariably friendly and helpful, and, in recent years, Swedish cuisine has undergone what can only be described as a revolution. Throw in a mind-boggling history from notorious Viking invaders to Royal dynasties and imperial intrigue, and one thing is certain, you’ll never be bored. On the…

See you soon in Dubai! I’m going back to Germany for a spell then stopping in Dubai for a few days. Let’s do a PhotoWalk! It will be on Monday, March 16, at 5 PM. It’s a family-friendly and all are welcome. All camera types too, from mobile phones to DSLRs — this is just a fun chance to get together, learning some things, and take some new sorts of photos! Location: TBD (still deciding) Date: March 16 Time to meet: 5 PM Hashtag: #TRDubai2015 Skill Level: ALL! If it’s your first photowalk, don’t be afraid, this is the case for Most people at photowalks……

No time for Reviews I’m sorry that I haven’t been writing many reviews for you lately. I’ve been running around working on too many projects and taking a ton of photos. One of the first things that slips off the list is New Reviews. I’ve got all kinds of new fun stuff I’m testing, but I just don’t have enough time. You know how it goes. I don’t want to hire someone to write the reviews either… I kind of like everything here being in my own voice, you know? Anyway, I just wanted you to know that I am behind… sorry about that! Daily Photo…

March 1, a Fresh Pack! For 24 hours on the first day of each month, I release a new Lightroom Pack at half price ($2.50). It went great for Jan and Feb so let’s keep the party going! See more on the Lightroom Presets page! Today’s photo below was made with one of the presets. Each pack always includes a Black & White preset, and this is one of them. Daily Photo – Super Hef Comes to the Rescue! We were camping out in a valley near a glacier on the main continent of Antarctica. We were only supposed to be there for three nights, but bad weather came in. It was not quite a…

First announced in the Newsletter? What? You didn’t already read this in the newsletter? Oh no! Be sure to subscribe for free here! Not your last chance to win a DJI Inspire Quadcopter! Even if you were not the Grand Prize winner in London, you can still win by dropping a comment on the YouTube video below. It’s a crazy one where I dressed up like a pilot with Kai in Hong Kong… what a fun guy and fun video! PhotoWalk Recap! Here’s a great photo of the crowd before the London photowalk. It’s hard to see me, but do you see that statue of the Holy Crusader holding…

Any Good Yoga YouTube Channels? If you know of any good channels that have good yoga stuff, let me know! I’m always looking for good new routines… I like a bit of variety sometimes! Daily Photo – An Infinity of Lupins Yay, my favorite flowers were blooming here just before I went through the Lindis Pass. There are a series of meadows and forests as you approach the pass, and it's one of the best areas in New Zealand to see these flowers. They go on for miles and miles and beyond. The Lindis Pass is the place you cross the Southern Alps as you drive from Central Otago up…

I found myself alone in a strange landscape as the taxi drove off in the rain. I looked around at my foreign landscape and could see for miles – and for miles there was nothing or no one. Not even a tree. I felt like Katniss at the beginning of the Hunger Games – but instead of mutant dogs there were cows staring at me wondering, “who the hell is this invading our land.” Moments before in the taxi, the driver – an old Irish guy who smelled like smoke and reminded me of my grandfather – asked me in a somewhat worrisome tone, “Do you know where you are going?”… Read…

Whenever I travel to a new city I always, always make sure to schedule a tour. Tours help you see the city through a local’s perspective, allow you to ask questions from a tried-and-true resident, take you to places you’d probably never venture yourself, and feed you with fun facts. Here’s our roundup of tours that you can take in NYC, whether you’re a tourist or local: 1. Tours By Foot | “Offering pay-what-you-wish New York walking tours as well as food, bike and bus tours. We provide a platform for licensed, local, freelance tour guides to lead tours at no upfront costs,…

Eight months ago, my fiancée, Jacque, and I left home to tour the world, starting in Cambodia. We were over 30, unemployed, clueless and out of place. We knew only one thing for certain: staying in hostels and guesthouses was our cheapest bet for accommodation. Conventional wisdom said that hostel private rooms provided a little privacy without the cost of hotels. For nearly a month in Cambodia, we stuck with hostels that were questionably clean or in the middle of a swarm of vicious tourist touts. We assumed that we were doing the right thing. As we prepared to board our bus for Saigon,…

I love the dirty, broken down and forgotten. I’m not exactly sure why I adore finding beauty in things that are left behind, but I think it has something to do with the fact that it ignites my imagination. I start to daydream about why it was abandoned, what the circumstances were, and who was involved. I create stories in my mind about what was the fateful turning point for the property – a slow degradation process or a disaster that made someone leave the space behind quickly? Abandoned sites are one of my favorite things to photograph. Below are a collection of some of the ugly,…

I discovered the Clarion Collection Hotel Christiania Teater near Stortingsgata, just past the parliament in Oslo and in front of a massive square and park. The hotel was a perfect way for me to celebrate Norway, my 99th country — here are a few things to love about this hotel. Spacious Rooms and Bathrooms View Over the Park - by night and day, relax and take in the view over the park. By day, ice skating and tourists, by night a… Read more...

The meetings, incentives, conventions and events (MICE) industry in China has continued its journey of prosperity and growth. CCMIT show organizers explain that in a post expo era, China has seen an increasing number of marketing events, corporate annual meetings, incentive travel and incentive team activities which have become the momentumfor MICE. As a result, the practitioners in MICE industry are demanding a platform for communications and learning, in order to present more outstanding events with a limited budget to meet theirends of brand building, customer relationship maintenance…

Eventex Awards 2014 reopened for entries until January 30, 2015 due to the great interest after the expired deadline. The organizers received a record number of registration requests after the International Event Awards closed for entries which evoked the decision to extend the entry process until the end of January. More than 100 entries from 35+ countries were registered so far in the 10 event and now 4 event tech categories. A People’s Choice Event Technology is added to the event technology categories, so the public can evaluate the top event tech solutions. Among the companies, taking…

If there’s one expense associated with our smart phones that we can do without it’s the roaming fees for making international calls when we’re on the road (or even at home). Depending on your wireless plan, international calling could cost you about $30 per month (annual contract required) and $1 per minute to check voice mail, call home or even reach out to a client. Courtesy of Apple Inc. To be fair, when business travelers are on the road for work, it’s important to have excellent access. But many executives are also aware that they need to watch the expense…

Bob Sirott (left) and Marianne Murciano (middle) of WGN Radio with Rob Hard (right) in Chicago. Courtesy image Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano of WGN radio in Chicago had me to join them this week to share tips about etiquette mistakes at the holiday party. Roughly 90 percent of all companies tend to host holiday parties (the slight majority are held in the evening), and we all know someone who has enjoyed to the levels of excess with their food, drink and even dress. The truth is, most people need to remember that they are at a company event. While it’s a way for your boss and…

As we age our complexion really takes a beating. Exposure to the sun, pollution and even genetics can result in a breakdown of our skin’s collagen and loss of elasticity. Case in point, if you were from the generation prior to the 1990s, when sunscreen was available but not as widely used as it is today, then chances are you may have acquired some sun damage, age spots or even premature wrinkling. I remember sunbathing on the blacktop in my parents driveway, while frequently applying baby oil all over to achieve that sun-kissed look. I always loved the way my skin glistened. Medi spa…

Neuschwantstein Castle must be one of the most unmistakeable and most photographed castles in the world. they must do a roaring trade in postcards because it doesn't look like anyone could take a casual snapshot very easily. The airways around it must be buzzing with helicopters.Although the castle is of course in Germany, the card came from Russia and was published in Russia. I like this dramatic winter view. Six years ago (so long!!) I posted another card showing it with autumn colours on the trees.

Saint Ursanne is exactly the sort of place I'd love to visit. It's in the Jura canton of Switzerland, almost in France. Although France also has a Jura département, it is Doubs which adjoins the Jura Canton.St Ursanne is a medieval village with an old abbey and outstanding cloister. The houses date from the 14th to 16th century. It owes its name to an Irish monk, Ursan, whose hermitage can be visited if you wish to climb the 180 steps up to its cave.

I haven't received any Year of the Sheep stamps yet so I've had to settle for this PHQ stamp card. It was issued as a Wintertime series in 1992. The others in the series showed a fox, a deer, a redwing and a hare, but these are Welsh Mountain Sheep, a hardy breed.This is a post for Sunday Stamps, in its new home at See it on a Postcard! As usual, click on the button to see the other entries.

The top tourist attractions in Malaysia go with a certain trademark label. The world knows that “Malaysia is truly Asia”. Therefore one can see the microcosmic splendor of the entire continent in the most developed nation in Southeast Asia alongside Singapore and Brunei. Malaysia is composed of a triad of ethnic groups that make up its unique spirit. The majority of people are of Malay descent, the indigenous people of the region. The majority of the Malay people are of the Muslim faith. There is also a large percentage of the total population that have emigrated from China and also a…

Are you, a friend or your family traveling the world together by just living out of your backpacks? Have you quickly realized that you’re willing to spend a bit more money on the finer things during your trip? Well fret not, our 48 hours in Singapore guide will allow you to have the full Singaporean experience within your short stay. (Reference: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net) Universal Studios Singapore While a theme park ticket may have not originally been on your “backpacking around the world” list, it’s definitely a top contender for a day filled with great fun and thrills.

Anyone who has visited or lived in New York will have their own favourite little part of the city that they insist you check out. This list makes no claim on being definitive but it includes ideas for everyone who is taking a trip there. The landmarks These probably need a separate article, if not a separate book. Take your pick from the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the World Trade Centre Memorial and many more besides. All of them offer tours and make for great photo opportunities. The Metropolitan Museum of Art An expansive museum featuring some of the most famous…

If you’ve got teenage boys, holidays need thinking about. We’ve all been there, if the kids aren’t entertained, they have a happy knack of making sure that no one else is going to be singing a happy tune either. Incidentally, don’t try singing happy tunes to teenage boys in public; they may be liable to get either you or themselves arrested. Either way the results can be out of all proportion to your musical efforts. They may not always be the best at expressing what they want, but it’s a fair bet that your teenager will have at least a modicum of sporting interest. Something about…

London Eye (Creative Commons) London is one of the most diverse and amazing travel destinations in the world. Every single year, people from all over the world travel to London to discover its great attractions. If you are planning to go to London soon as well, you will love the following article. We have put together a list of genuinely useful tips on how to plan the perfect trip to London – and how to feel absolutely excellent from all points of view while there. Hire a Car London’s public transportation infrastructure is really good, but if you want to feel like a true star while…

Travel can present a range of invaluable opportunities to learn and grow through leisure, but also offers industrious individuals to finance their exploration and gain unique work experience by finding employment while overseas. Working a job while in another country can add another layer of adventure to a lengthy visit, but unfortunately many travelers desiring peace of mind during their trip have trouble finding an appropriate travel insurance policy to cover their working activities.

Britain has never been considered a must-stop destination for beach enthusiasts. This is probably due, at least in part, to the country’s long standing reputation for having temperamental weather. The proliferation of European travel guides which overlook British beaches has probably also contributed to this problem. But are British beaches so undeserving of attention? This short guide may well change your mind on the matter...

Going on a holiday can be a stressful time at best. But that stress can be doubly compounded if you’re vacationing with an elderly relative. Our elderly loved ones are just as deserving of a holiday as the rest of us, but it’s important not to forget that elderly people do have certain requirements which need to be attended to if they’re to get as much enjoyment out of a holiday as we hope they will. And whether these needs are simply to do with mobility or they’re of a ...

Worldwide economies continue to remain uncertain although people are once again willing to travel. In some countries such as the UK, according to some reports, the level of disposable income will not rise until 2015 as the rising cost of childcare remains a huge concern. This means that parents could be left with a childcare bill that equates to 40% of their disposable income, which will impact on their ability to live, work and travel as they wish. While this news should not put you off booking a holiday, however, you ...

The UK’s travel industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace, while it is also expected to feel the benefit of economic growth and expansion during the upcoming summer. At this time, thousands of UK residents will look to sink their capital into a trip abroad, as they eschew attractions within the UK and look to indulge in more exotic locations. While this represents a wonderful experience, there is also a need for travelers to adopt a responsible attitude while also respecting their own safety and that of those around them at all time.

The Mekong River is around 2,700 miles long and is the world’s 12th longest river. It has many nicknames including “Turbulent River,” “Nine Dragons,” and “Mother Water.” It flows through Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, China and Thailand. One of the best ways to see the Mekong River and all the great countries surrounding it, is to go on a cruise. What You’ll See Cruising Along the Mekong River Mekong river cruises are becoming increasingly popular with travelers as itineraries grow and the amount of ships offering these types of cruises…

Why settle for just fluffy robes and free coffee when you are at a hotel? Some hotel chains offer quite a few interesting perks to try to draw in travelers. Here’s a list of some of our favorite ones. Puppy Concierges When checking in at the Kimpton, guests are greeted by several puppies. This program started at the end of 2000 when the Director of Sales and Marketing at Hotel Monaco Denver, brought her Jack Russell Terrier, Lily to work each day. It turns out that guests loved seeing her so much that the hotel chain decided to start a pet concierge program. Pet Psychic Speaking of…

Festivals are a fun way for individuals to get outdoors and spend some time with family and friends. However, not all festivals are the same. This month we’ve featured some of the wackiest festivals that will be happening around the world in March. Holi- India, March 6th This festival marks the beginning of spring in India. Participants gather in the streets and throw paint at each other. Everyone from the young to the old gets involved in the activities. There are many theories to how this colorful event started, but one of the most accepted ones is the legend of Radhu and Krishna. It…

Ever wonder what to take in terms of technology on a trip, tour, or cruise??? As a tech-loving wandering blogger such as I with a backpack chock-full of gadgets such as a camera, lenses, video recorder, iPod, tablet, laptop, smartphone, and portable gaming system (for off time use, of course), I have to make sure I have all I need to charge, protect, and maintain all my electronics… In fact, one of the most crucial yet simplest processes to forget to do or forget to even consider is back-up redundancy. I can’t back up my stuff ENOUGH… I have a 4-terabyte external hard…

Located in the Indian Ocean, about a thousand miles off the east coast of Africa, the Seychelles’ remarkable location and natural abundance cannot be compared to any place else on the planet. And as the home of the Vallée de Mai, said to be the original site of the Garden of Eden, the stunning Seychelles might just be the most heavenly place on earth. Formerly a closely-held secret of celebrities and the mega-rich, this pristine island nation is slowly being discovered by travelers with a taste for luxury and exotic natural beauty. Uninhabited until the late 18th century, then…

Photography is a crucial part of any travel blogger’s armory and is a fantastic way of capturing moments and telling stories as Nellie recently proved. However, it can be difficult to get the perfect shot under pressure if you don’t know what to look for and what to take into account. Taking a photo tour is a great way to get an insight into a destination from someone who knows it inside out, as well getting insider knowledge on where to get the best shots and how to take them. Below are 5 fantastic, photogenic destinations which are the perfect locales to put yourself in the hands of a…

While we’re on the subject of travel technology, I wanted to introduce you to yet another important service that I use to make my work and travel safer and easier. As a travel writer and blogger, I do most of my work online, so having internet access is important to me regardless of where I go. Since I spend almost 60% of the time on the road, it’s not always easy to find stable, fast and secure internet. I also tend to travel to many remote and isolated countries (because of my interest) such as Iran and North Korea, where internet is highly censored. This is where VPN comes in. What is…

This week, we’re talking all about travel technology. We’ve shared our packing list with you, now it’s time to spill the beans on what technology gadgets we use on the road! As a full-time travel writer who spends more than 60% of the year on the road, I travel with quite a few electronics and tech devices. I’m not exactly a tech geek but my husband Alberto is, and he always makes sure that I have the right device that suits my needs. If you don’t make a living on the road, you probably don’t need as many electronics as I do. These recommendations vary depending on your personal…

As a travel writer and storyteller, photography has always been a tool for me to capture moments and tell stories. As they say, a picture paints a thousand words, and I can’t agree more. In line with my love for the outdoors, my favorite type of photography usually features nature and landscapes. That’s why I was thrilled to hear about the theme of the Thomson Cook photography contest: exploring the elements of nature — earth, fire, air and water. Through the past decade or so of travels, I’ve been lucky enough to explore these elements in different corners of the world and…

The rhino situation in South Africa is critical, with one being poached every 7 hours. Current predictions suggest they’ll go extinct in the wild within 20 years if the current poaching rate continues. As you probably know by now, we are huge wildlife fans and it breaks our hearts to know that rhinos are suffering under human hands. Along with 125 other travel bloggers, we are part of a great initiative called #JustOneRhino to raise money to relocate 100 rhinos away from the devastating poaching syndicates of South Africa to Botswana, where poaching rates are low. It’s crucial we act…

Send to Kindle Cape Town is one of the best places to free dive, or snorkel, in the world. Cape fur seals, mako sharks, blue sharks, seven gill sharks, dolphins, whales and the magic of the kelp forests that line our west coast, mean the seas are rich with marine creatures, and incredibly beautiful. Snorkelling is the act of swimming through the sea with nothing other than a diving mask, a shaped tube called a snorkel and, usually, fins. In Cape Town you will need a wetsuit. Snorkellers make...

Send to Kindle The forecast is that growth in sub-Saharan Africa will increase to 5.8 percent in 2015, despite the global economic growth forecast’s revision down to 3.5 per cent. This means both consumers in Africa, and those visiting the continent, will benefit from new opportunities. Translated into travel speak: tourism to the African continent is on the increase… Here are 10 travel trends for 2015 that affect South Africans: 1. Destination Africa – travelling...

Send to Kindle A day or two after waving our Christmas guests goodbye (with a sigh of relief on my part), we decided that a bit of exploring was in order. Friends had told us about the small but worthwhile Amatikulu Nature Reserve which is a mere 25 minute drive from our house. So, we packed a picnic of sorts and headed in the direction of Amatikulu … The reserve is located about 100kms from Durban and is found between the Tugela and Amatikulu River mouths. It is one of the few places in...

Send to Kindle South Africa is one of the best country’s in the world for road trips – with nigh on 750 000 kilometres of road (the longest road network on the continent, and one of the ten longest road networks globally). The country is probably best known for its Garden Route – a road trip that winds its way up the coast between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, passing some of the most incredible scenery, beaches and coastline in the world en route. But there are other shorter, just as...

Send to Kindle South Africa is a land abundant in the weird and wonderful, beautiful and a little strange at times. There are around 300 mammalian species in South Africa alone, as well as hundreds of amphibians, insects, reptiles, and bird species. With this variety and scope, it is no wonder that some of the animals found in South Africa have some peculiar characteristics… South Africa’s Wildlife – Did you know? The African elephant can be distinguished by...

Kura Holanda in Willemstad, Curacao I stepped out of the airport and immediately felt the warm breeze. It was one of the first things I discovered about Curacao (map) when I visited the island many years ago: it’s always breezy. It took a while to finally return to this beautiful island in the Caribbean but feeling that breeze again brought back lots of great memories. Curaçao is a long island with a coastline that’s indented with numerous bays and coves. Its capital, Willemstad, is situated on both sides of St. Anna Bay, a channel of water that leads to the immense Schottegat…

Trulli can be found all across the Itria Valley. The Valle d’Itria or Itria Valley is situated in the heart of the region of Puglia, in the ‘heel’ of the Italian peninsula (map). This area is characterised by charming villages, historic towns, wooded slopes, vineyards, mile after mile of olive groves and the intriguing ‘trulli’ (whitewashed, cone-roofed houses) that dot the countryside. The trulli are the first things that will grab your attention as you travel through this area – they sure lend an almost fairy-tale like element to this beautiful valley!

Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located east of Madagascar (map). Everyone has visions of what paradise is like, most of which involve tropical islands with white sandy beaches, palms swaying in the soft breeze and crystal-clear water. Mauritius ticks all these boxes with ease. With its blinding white beaches and breathtaking lagoons, Mauritius would match most people’s definition of paradise. Add to that a great selection of gorgeous hotels and you get a destination that’s perfect for those seeking a luxurious island getaway. Here are my five recommended luxury…

A spectacular Galapagos sunset. The Galapagos Islands are famous the world over for their huge number of endemic species and were studied by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the Beagle. To be honest, despite my dream to visit this ecological paradise in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador, I harboured some doubts. These doubts rested on the fact that many of these endemic species are so unique and face all sorts of threats. I spoke to a few friends about this, some of whom have been there, and they were (almost) unanimous: go if the opportunity presented itself and see it for…

The arches and tilework inside the Alcazar Palace. Sevilla, or Seville, is the fourth largest city in Spain and the largest city of the region of Andalusia in the south of the country. The city was founded as the Roman city of Hispalis in the 8th century A.D. on the banks of the Guadalquivir river and through the centuries, was occupied by a string of powers including the Moors (Muslims from northern Africa) who ruled the city from the 8th till the 13th century. The city became an important trading centre after the discovery of the Americas. Christopher Columbus left for his maiden voyage to…

I’m not the only one away from my loved one on Valentine’s Day. There are many of us. The guy at the next table sports a wedding ring, a bottle of beer and a movie on his laptop. Another traveler across the room, who reminds me of George Castanza of Seinfeld, has his iPad, glass of red wine and his plate of hors d’oeuvres from the Marriott Executive Lounge’s evening snack offerings. As for me, I’ve got my glass of red as well, having just wished my husband a Happy Valentine’s Day via FaceTime. And that’s just a few of us sitting on one executive…

It is common in many states that parents who are behind in their child support payments may have their driver’s license suspended and/or a hold placed on their passport. Now IRS is getting into the same mode with a plan that if you fail to pay your taxes timely, they want to place a hold on your passport or even worse, revoke your passport altogether. Before you go into panic mode, note that the minimum liability will be $50,000. The post Tax Lien from IRS? They May Grab your Passport! appeared first on Pearls of Travel Wisdom.

For many people, Airbnb has some advantages over hotels. Users of the service often end up with nicer accommodations that are more central to their destination. Oh, and there is that nice advantage that they are usually less expensive than nearby hotels, in part because they haven’t been charging guests the typically 10-18% taxes that hotels are required to pass along. Beginning soon, those days will be coming to an end for Airbnb. The startup has agreed to begin collecting hotel taxes in many major cities. Obviously these costs will be passed along to Airbnb users but they are smart to…

Hard to believe it’s been about five years since Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary proposed offering passengers standing room only instead of seats. Of course, this is the same carrier that proposed having only one pilot in the cockpit to save money. Fortunately both ideas went down the same drain. But according to this article, O’Leary wasn’t the first to propose having passengers stand while flying. No, they say the honor goes to Spring Airlines, the Chinese budget carrier. The article notes that they actually thought of this idea a year earlier because of the travel havoc…

Much of the fun of travel is exploring new foods. Sure, some of us opt for less expensive meals in a hotel room equipped with kitchens but for most travelers, we take in local food experiences. Thanks to Zagat’s most recent survey, we have some insight about dining across America. So what kinds of foods do we like? Overall, the first choice is Italian (ok, is Zagat watching me eat pizza in Brazil as I write this??) followed by American, French, and seafood. Placing lower were Japanese, Mexican, Thai, and Chinese. However, certain cities had different preferences. For example, Austin…

Travel Experta - Specializing in Unique International Family Travel - Helping Families Get the Most of Their International Travels with Kids How do I describe Atlanta Georgia Aquarium? I can sum it to you like this: Where else can you see Whale Sharks and Manta Rays in a tank that is so large it’s been said to be the largest tank in the world? What Atlanta Georgia Aquarium Meant to Us I’ll be really honest with you, I am not at all an aquarium lover. I’ve been to so many that, sad to say this, but I feel they are all very similar. Sure I’ll go and check them out with…

Travel Experta - Specializing in Unique International Family Travel - Helping Families Get the Most of Their International Travels with Kids What is one tour that is least kid friendly in Atlanta that parents can enjoy during a romantic getaway? CNN Studio Tour. At least for my family. Since we don’t have cable and never have the news on in our house my kids don’t even know what CNN is all about. So when we tell them we visited the studio they won’t start crying that we never take them anywhere. And quite frankly, my husband and I aren’t news fans at all, either.

Travel Experta - Specializing in Unique International Family Travel - Helping Families Get the Most of Their International Travels with Kids Choosing family-friendly destinations can be difficult. There’s not much point in heading for Las Vegas with kids in tow for example, but Disneyland might not appeal to the adults. What you need is something for the whole family. Kids, Mum and Dad should all have an opportunity for a marvellous time. That’s where Cancun, Mexico comes into the picture. Photo by: Mindaugas Danys It’s part of the Riviera Maya tourist area and as such offers you great…

Travel Experta - Specializing in Unique International Family Travel - Helping Families Get the Most of Their International Travels with Kids Our first introduction to Atlanta eateries was a burger joint. Or so I thought. I’m a huge planner. I can’t go traveling unless I know exactly what is reserved and confirmed. My planning and organizing of the trip, to me, is as much fun as the actual trip – so even though it sounds anal, it’s one of my passions. Georgia was our chosen State for this year’s romantic getaway. Our new thing ,when visiting my parents in…

Travel Experta - Specializing in Unique International Family Travel - Helping Families Get the Most of Their International Travels with Kids Barcelona is a stunning place that is filled with culture and diversity. But if you’ve already been there or want to go, here are 6 reasons why you’ll probably go back! You’ve explored the mondernista architecture Photo by: localnomad.com Barcelona has stunning architecture that is one of the notably famous things about the region. Many famous architects such as Gaudi, Puig I Cadafalch, and Domenech i Muntaner. In Barcelona, you can visit their…

Anthony Gargasz, the LA-based Photoshop artist is now officially on our favorite artists list. Gargasz’s meticulous perfection produces strong and solid art that stands out. Gargasz’s confident, sleek and cool work has drawn the attention of the film industry in LA and elsewhere. He has produced Key Art for such clients as Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures and Netflix. We have commissioned Anthony to create three impressive prints of a human head that exude a mysterious mix of metallic solidity and liquid fluidity. We love the slightly menacing mood of…

The recently opened Casa Cavia in the Palermo Chico neighborhood of Buenos Aires is an enchanting fusion of sights, sounds, tastes and eras. Now operating as a brand new assembly of a restaurant, publishing house, bookstore, flower shop and perfumery, Casa Cavia is housed in what was known as the Bollini Roca residence, designed in the gilded age of the 1920s as a personal gift to the owner’s wife by the Spanish-born architect and artist Alejandro Christophersen of Norwegian parentage. The founder and creator of the Casa Cavia concept, Guadalupe Garcia Mosqueda with book publisher Ana…

Some of us go weak in the knees at the sight of a new bookstore or library. Such was certainly the case when we glanced at Cărtureşti Carusel bookstore, opened on February 12 on Lipscani Street in Bucharest’s historical Old Town, also often called just Lipscani. The magnificent Chrissoveloni bank building, now owned by Jen Chrissoveloni, the great-grandson of the 19th century banker, created a magnificent starting point for the retail project. According to the Romanian media, the current owner invested 1 million Euro in the renovation and leased the building to the Cărtureşti…

Villa Moos by Lake Constance (Bodensee) at the northern foot of the Alps draws our attention with its building-block appearance and foreboding façade. And yet, surprisingly, with these almost semi-brutalist intentions, the look of heaviness does not follow. Instead, there’s a delightful mood of lightness, almost of semi-permanence. It seems as if the entire structure could be a fold-up affair made of exceptionally strong origami paper or very light sheets of card board, ready for packing up and carting elsewhere. But as we know metal and glass are the main…

It's been a brutal winter for most of the country - lucky for me though, I happen to live in Southern California where 72 and sunny is a way of life and our "bad days" are those 5 times a year where it might rain. That makes a beautiful lemon orchard just north of Los Angeles the perfect location to kick off a national tour to promote Shock Top's newest flavor - Lemon Shandy, drawing it's zest from real California lemon peels. Honestly, this was one of the coolest events I've been to in a ...

Wisconsin welcomes travelers of all kinds, including those looking to experience an amazing mancation. From a weekend on the lake with the boys to seven days of rugged outdoor activities, Wisconsin offers four seasons of unbeatable fun. So whether you take a plane, train or car ride to get here, just know when you visit the cheesehead state, you’re sure to find Wisconsin fun. Bottoms up! Go on a brewery tour A flock of innovative craft brewers have made Wisconsin the center of the beer universe. By mixing traditional European brewing techniques with local ingredients and ...

Egypt isn’t just about the crumbling ruins sprawled out across the deserts, there is plenty more than crumbling going on there. Some of the world’s most bucket-list worthy dives and water sports are in Egypt’s Red Sea, and the modern beach resorts themselves are more than enough reason to head there for your lads holiday to Egypt. When it comes to Egyptian beach resorts one of the best known names and thus one of the most popular is Sharm El Sheikh. If you want clubbing, diving , or if your gang want some dirty, desert-based activities, then ...

The Florida Keys are one of America’s best kept mancation secrets seemingly tucked away into the southeastern corner. For the guys that chose this destination, a weekend of fishing, bar-hopping, historic sites, and outdoor fun awaits on this stretch of sun, sand, and sinful fun. The Florida Keys are composed of five major islands amongst dozens of smaller ones so there is something for everyone and every style of getaway to be found here! The most popular (and least expensive) way to start your Florida Keys mancation or guys weekend is to fly into Miami and drive down Highway…

I've finally found it! I knew that San Diego had to have a restaurant that was equally good at ambiance as it is in service, preparation, and presentation. Earlier this month Heather and I were invited to have dinner and check out Greystone Steakhouse - one of the older restaurants here in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. Greystone Steakhouse just recently celebrated 15 years of operation here and after the amazing dinner we enjoyed, I can see why it's been able to survive so long and I am sure they will continue to have great success for many more years to come! ...

It’s time to send out some pics of Plane Crashes and incidents, just to make you uneasy about your next flight! Don’t worry these are non-fatal ones, but they’re enough to make you think ‘how the hell did this happen?’ Anyway, whilst some of these photos can be a little off putting, it doesn’t matter what sort of media frenzies you see on the news about the latest plane crash or aviation incident – you are roughly 720 times more likely to die in the car on the way to the airport than you are from air travel. That’s because there are so many…

Hey there Travel Tarters, today I have an interview with adventurer Tim Cope. He’s an intrepid traveller, author and film maker who wrote ‘On The Trail of Genghis Khan‘ which documents his 3 year journey from Mongolia to Hungary overland via horseback. Check out the cover to the left! This is a great book (and also TV documentary) of how he was crazy enough to ride from Mongolia to Hungary over horseback for over 10,000 kilometres, and it took him three years to do it! I’m *almost* keen to do it myself! Sounds like a journey that would challenge most travel insurance…

I think we’ve all seen those simple but effective optical illusions of smiley faces / sad faces – that is, one single image that you can flip around where you can see a happy face on one view, but then flip it upside down so you can view exactly the same image as a sad face. But I’ve come across a different application of this concept, this time, on a drink coaster, which should probably appear on The Ultimate Book of Optical Illusions. This might keep some techno-philes amused for a few seconds before they actually photograph the coaster and go back to their smart phones to…

I’m sure there thousands, if not, millions of people around the world who are looking for the meaning in almost anything that happens to them on a day to day basis. It could be a random event, or spotting something in a headline that grabs your attention. This is probably especially so for those who have fallen upon hard times due to some shonky Global Financial Crisis that was caused by a large number of greedy chumps, and totally out of their control. You don’t have to be necessarily religious to look up into the heavens and say ‘Give Me A Sign!‘. I sometimes do it…

If you’re lucky enough to be a full time traveller because you’ve managed to be the recipient of a rather large inheritance or be the beneficiary of a rich family trust, you might have the opportunity to travel overseas via a cargo ship. I’ve sort of done this – but it was only for a couple of days in the Gulf of Carpentaria in Northern Australia. I actually quite enjoyed it because you notice all sorts of things in the ocean like dolphins jumping off the bow, and flotsam and jetsam such as flip flops that have made their way down from Asia. For most of the time,…

NNew England has always been a place travelers come to because of its charm. Whether it’s a trip to an inn on the coast, or a camping in a mountain getaway, New England as a region has one of the most varied landscapes available to travelers. But what makes New England a place worth exploring is its unique places to stay. Since the inception of Airbnb and other crowdsourced lodging sites, finding a unique and fun place to stay has never been easier. So I took a look at the Airbnb website to search out the most unique lodgings available in New England. Connecticut Stamford boat –…

Wishing you a very merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah, a glorious Kwanzaa, and a warm whatever other holiday you may celebrate at this time of year. Let’s make 2015 an amazing year of exploration, learning, and travel, no matter where you go. See you in January! The post Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Part Time Vagabond! appeared first on Part Time Vagabond.

As a travel lover, I find myself blithely reading dozens of travel blogs and starting dumbly at hundreds of amazing travel photos. As a Part Time Vagabond, I often find myself feeling quite jealous of all my blogging brothers and sisters who are constantly hopping around the world to exotic locales having the single greatest time of their lives. Social media makes everyone look like they’re living the BEST LIFE EVER! It’s like the Mirror of Erised in the Harry Potter stories: you see only what you most desire (how’s that for some movie geekiness?). After all, who’s…

dubai 165 by daniyal62 on Flickr How many times have you come home from an amazing vacation, only to be disappointed with the photos you took? The pictures in no way represent the adventure you had. Why don’t your travel photos look more like the experience you had? The truth is, you’re thinking of your vacation travel photos as if they were postcards. You’re only looking for that beautiful postcard shot, the same photo that everyone else is taking. It’s time to think outside the [postcard] box and start telling the unique story of your own adventures. Here are some…

Since you’re reading Part Time Vagabond, it’s safe to assume that you don’t have a ton of time to travel each year. Maybe you get a week off, maybe only a few days, maybe only weekends. When an Expedia study tells us that 59% of Americans feel vacation deprived, we know there’s a problem. It can be near impossible to take much, if any, time off to explore the world. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still be an adventurer. We hear adventure, and we think of climbing Everest or trekking deep into the jungle. Yet there is a sub-culture of weekend warriors who…

The dramatic Montagne Noire forms the backdrop to the Saint-Chinian vineyards, and to its charming southern French towns and villages. Wine communicator and retailer Paola Tich travelled there to learn more about the two distinctive styles of red Saint-Chinian wine, not forgetting its rosés and unusual white wines. On an early evening in September there’s […]

Despite its diminutive name, Les Alpilles, literally meaning the Little Alps is a rich and diverse area which makes it a popular tourist destination. During the summer, it may be one to avoid if traffic and crowds are not what you are after, but during the winter the area is calmer, and although some restaurants […]

By Brett Jones The Gallipoli Peninsula, to the south west of Istanbul, is located in Turkish Thrace, the European part of Turkey, with the Aegean Sea to the west and the Dardanelles to the east. In 1980 the Gallipoli Peninsula Historic National Park was founded, encompassing 35,000 hectares of countryside, to protect the military and […]

The huge State of California is known for its diverse wine tourism offering north and south of San Francisco. Louise Hurren looks back at experiences of a weekend’s wine tour last summer when she headed to Mendocino, a few hours north of the city. Louise is a wine communicator who lives in southern France. She spends […]

When you next plan a visit to Alsace, a must-visit wine region, then don’t forget that it is as simple as crossing the River Rhine to visit the Baden wine region too. What makes this doubly appealing is that both regions are among the most welcoming to wine tourists that you can find in their […]

TGIF!!!!!!!! So happy it's the weekend! Today's outfit is pretty basic, sort of my "momiform" of what you can find me in on a daily basis running around with two little ones- jeans and a comfy top. I always tend to gravitate toward black, but here I added color by way of some new pieces I got from the Stella & Dot spring line. Added color can help make an outfit pop, it can add new life to an outfit you've worn a dozen times, and it helps make your mood pop too, especially with the winter we've been having! The good news is, Spring is just 21 days away and…

Hey guys! I've got a little recipe post for you today. It's for banana muffins (I know- easy, nothing fancy), but I promise you...this recipe really does make the BEST banana muffins ever!!! I have made banana muffins at least a dozen times in the past, and after a bit of tweaking, I have found the recipe that I will continue to make. My kids absolutely love these, and ask for them all of the time!!!BEST BANANA MUFFINS RECIPE:Ingredients:1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon vanilla1/2 teaspoon cinnamon3…

It's probably scenes like this one over and over again this winter that have me craving warmer weather and jet setting to an amazing place...but, can you blame me? I'm so OVER all of the cold and snow! So now seems like the perfect time to talk about a resort that truly is one of a kind- the One and Only Palmilla Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico. I've written about the resort before here, and it's a place that is still top on my list to visit one day as a getaway with only the hubby. (Don't get me wrong, we love taking our kids everywhere, and thus far have brought them to every place…

I've said it before, and I'll say it again...I am "Krazy" for Kimonos!!! They are lightweight, great for travel, perfect to wear with a shirt and pants or over a bathing suit. I got this kimono recently from one of my favorite boutiques at the Jersey Shore, Foolish Ginger- located in Asbury Park, New Jersey. I love the colors and the pattern, and I know this will be on heavy rotation heading into spring and summer. On another quick note before I go, I wanted to say that I am looking forward to this weekend, as I will be meeting other New Jersey bloggers at a brunch on…

A couple of weeks ago, I was reminded of the saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover," when we went to check out Rozmaryn (pronounced rose-MAH-rin) Restaurant in Trenton, New Jersey for dinner! If I would have based my review from how it looks on the outside, I may not have enjoyed the amazing food that is served inside. We decided to check out this Polish restaurant (open since 2009) in Trenton after my sister-in-law got us tickets for us and our four kids (two are hers) to see Disney On Ice: Princes and Princesses at the Sun Center in Trenton. This place gets great…

Travel Writer Paul Theroux at the Jaipur Literature Festival. When you interview a travel writer you need to have terrible things happen to you MY LONG TIME DREAM to attend the Jaipur Literature Festival came true this year. I pitched Conde Nast Traveller India on interviews with Eat, Pray, Love‘s Elizabeth Gilbert and travel writer Paul Theroux, and arrived in Jaipur with a media pass in hand on a cool, late January day. Also wanted to meet and interview Devdutt Pattanaik, well known in India for many books on mythology, and founder William Dalrymple, who is one of my favourite…

Lovely light-filled lettuce growing at Aurovalley Ashram Fresh, sustainable food at Aurovalley Ashram, India, is part of the spiritual practise Aurovalley Ashram in north India is a place for seekers to find peace. Aurovalley founder Swami Brahmdev describes the ashram as an experiment in consciousness living. It’s also an experiment in conscious eating and sustainable food production. Three times every day, several of the women who live and work at Aurovalley Ashram line up behind the counter and ladle mild, vegetarian food, like rice, dal, and sabzi (vegetable) onto the stainless…

This entry is part 3 of 3 in the series Mirabai ExpeditionWith my entourage at the Mirabai Museum in Merta City, Rajasthan Finding gold in Mirabai’s palace in Rajasthan I’M ON AN INDIAN TRAIN, tucked into a second-class berth, lower. Above me a man is snoring loudly, and across from me a handsome man with greying hair, in a crisp kurtah, is reading “The Secret,” in English, which seems like an incongruous book for an Indian man to read in India. It’s late, the train is dark but for running and reading lights, and I’m relaxing with an e-book. I can’t…

Laxman Temple in Sirpur, Chhattisgarh, India dates from the 7th century 3 reasons to travel in undiscovered India: Tribal culture, ancient ruins and the Sirpur Festival OVER THE COURSE OF FOUR DAYS in remote and undiscovered Chhattisgarh, I toured 2,600 year old ruins, watched soul stirring Indian classical music performances under the stars and had a brief glimpse into the intriguing tribal cultures of the state. But the moment I remember most was in the Raipur hotel parking lot. It’s the moment that will make me go back to Chhattisgarh again and again. I was in the car, along with…

Do women explore and travel the world differently than men? WHAT DO YOU THINK about women explorers? It is my view that men and women have have a different approaches to exploring. While men seek to conquer, women seek to understand. Perhaps this is the reason that women explorers traditionally get short shrift. I didn’t discover my “inner explorer” until I was in my 40s. After several personal losses left me feeling depressed, I packed up my apartment, lit out for India and spent six months traveling from one end of the subcontinent to the other. Since then, I’ve been…

It is quite an experience to visit Noryangjin Fish Market 노량진수산시장 in Seoul – be prepared for an assault of the senses from smell to sight to taste. Noryangjin Fish Market is a 24-hour, 7 days a week wholesale fish market – if you are here very very early, you can see the fish auctions in the morning. If you are not an early riser, that’s also ok as throughout the day, you can see a display of all kinds of marine creatures in the stalls and all are edible. The market gets quite crowded in the evenings with the dinner crowd craving for seafood and…

The winter is coming to an end, leaving way for the spring – one of the most beautiful seasons of them all. Days are getting warmer, but not warm enough yet for spending time at the beach, though. This is why the official tourist season starts later – in May, or even June, depending on the climate of the area. And while tourists are not flocking to the beaches and resorts at this time, spring is the perfect season for grabbing some incredible travel and lodging deals. Before you make up your mind on your next destination, consider a few things other than just the special offers…

Spain boasts some of the most unusual festivals in the world – adding to its bow of attractions for people looking to getaway. Here are three summer festivals bound to spice up Spain holidays for years to come: La Tomatina Festival, Buñol Festivals don’t come much wackier or messier than this one. Beginning in the last fortnight of August in the town of Buñol near Valencia, trucks full of tomatoes start arriving. This is because every year the inhabitants of the town have a massive tomato throwing fight. The origins of this bizarre event aren’t clear, although many think it dates back…

Vacations are all fun and games — until somebody loses an eye overseas. Most travelers don’t anticipate experiencing illness or injury when they are on vacation, but the very fact that these events are unpredictable and often accidental is the reason they should be planned for. But how can travelers prepare for unknown bodily harm so far from home? One’s health isn’t the only thing that can cause surprises away from home; plans may shift making prepaid reservations moot, or important and expensive items may be lost or stolen. That’s why many insurance companies and travel agencies…

There are a lot of tour companies in Seoul offering tours to the Demilitarized Zone DMZ. You have to be clear what you want to see – do you want to “cross” over to North Korea territory via the blue house you see in the picture below (the MAC Conference Room)? If so, you need to ensure that your package includes a tour of the Joint Security Area. Not all tours go to the Joint Security Area (JSA) as a limited number of visitors are allowed per day and also not all tour operators can do tours to the JSA. Some tour operators include amethyst or ginseng factory tours too…

Goal: Slow down and unplug.Translation: Let’s paint! Some people (like my husband) are not big fans of setting New Year’s resolutions. I am definitely not one of those people. Even as a little kid, I liked the idea of starting over, trying again and, as far as resolutions go, literally opening a fresh journal to a new page in life. For years, my resolutions read like a laundry list with tasks like writing in said new journal every day, but as we all know, just saying you’re going to achieve something doesn’t mean you’re going to do it, especially if that goal doesn’t fit into…

Here we are, the day before Christmas, and I haven’t yet written about Thanksgiving. I’ve been meaning to share our Thanksgiving story for a few weeks now, but the days have just slipped out from beneath me. And I can’t possibly write about Thanksgiving after Christmas, so here I am on Christmas Eve, sipping a cup of coffee at our rented home in Ocean Shores, Washington, writing about our November holiday in Arizona. Per usual, we decided to get out of town for Thanksgiving. By that time of the school year, we’re ready for a break from our daily grind. School has usually lost its…

Cory and I are planning an epic backpacking trip along the entire route of the 221-mile John Muir Trail this summer. In preparation, we’re planning several weekend and extended weekend backpacking trips where we’ll be testing out gear and getting into shape. What an awesome bonus that we’ll be able to visit new areas around us that we’ve previously been unable to explore and that Ane gets to see parts of the Southwest that we haven’t been able to share with our other foreign exchange students, simply because we’ve been unequipped. This weekend’s trip was to a cabin in Hidden…

In my last visit to Paris I stayed at the Montmartre area and that gave me a lot of opportunities to explore. The number one attraction in that area for tourists is the La Basilique du Sacré Cœur de Montmartre based on top of a hill allowing you to overlook Paris from above. Since Paris is pretty flat, this is probably one of the very few places where you can really see the whole city, with the Eiffel tower and a few horrific skyscrapers being the exception. During national day, I made my way back to the basilica to watch all the fireworks around Paris, and though the main view of the…

On my last visit to Paris, I stayed with a very affordable Airbnb (~60US$/night for a studio) at the very lovely Montmartre neighborhood, filled with wonderful little bakeries, coffee places, and restaurants. Aside from the hip area, there are also a few things to see, like the La Basilique du Sacré Cœur de Montmartre with grand views overlooking Paris (where I watched the fireworks on national day), and within walking distance is the infamous Moulin Rouge cabaret street. On one of my walking tours from the Montmartre to the Moulin Rouge area I decided to go in and take a look at the…

The city of Acre in northern Israel offers world-class tourist attractions set in a UNESCO world heritage ancient walled city, but it’s not all old archeological sites, there’s also a very special vibe in the old city markets. In my recent visit to Jerusalem, after exploring the city as a tourist and doing all the remarkable sites, the markets provided for a good break with incredible smells, tastes, colors and sounds. It’s not merely a tourist market, most of the people there are locals and the bargain trade gets very real. IGoogledIsrael writes: The…

San Francisco is a gorgeous city and there’s a lot to see and do, but of all the tourist attractions in the area I’d say the visit to the Alcatraz Prison was the most memorable. Not only is there a tale to tell about this prison, but the boat trip to get to it and the spectacular bay views from the prison island, make this a tour to remember. Everything about this tour, from the moment you get on the ferry to the moment you disembark upon return, is highly professional. Not too commercialized, not too crowded, all very well designed to give you the full experience with audio tours…

This was, by far, the strangest cultural experience I’ve had while visiting Mexico City. I knew nothing about this Lucha Libre and had no idea what to expect, but the hour or so at the Arena Coliseo with masked chubby Mexican wrestlers and the very enthusiastic local Mexican crowd turned out to be a night to remember. These arenas are all over Mexico City, but most of them – like Arena Coliseo – are at the dodgy parts of town and so you’re well advised to either go with locals (who supposedly know what they’re doing) or get a taxi right up to arena doors.

St. Patrick’s Day is a great holiday to celebrate in Reno Tahoe because it means ample opportunities for food, drink, and fun. Locals and visitors alike will find what they are looking for during the weekend to make the most of the holiday. Follow the rainbow to one of these events to find your own [...]

With new direct daily flights between Reno Tahoe and New York City beginning in May, The New York Times has put together a getaway guide for New Yorkers to keep Reno Tahoe at the top of their list for weekend getaways. “The lake’s vastness can be absorbed only by being there — or better yet, [...]

The Stremmel Gallery, located at 1400 South Virginia Street, will be showing the work of Charles Arnoldi starting March 12th. Arnoldi is an American contemporary abstract painter, sculptor, and print maker. His work displays an experimentation in a variety of colors and different mediums. This show will run until April 11th. At the Nevada Museum of Art, [...]

The nonstop lifestyle is pretty common in a 24-hour destination like Reno Tahoe USA. But with new air service at Reno-Tahoe International Airport, you can get the party started and keep it going without interruption from takeoff to touchdown. Reno Tahoe USA President and CEO, Chris Baum, at the JetBlue Airlines announcement. Among new nonstop offerings to [...]

Listener Kabir just returned from a sailing aboard Norwegian Epic, taking him on a seven-night jaunt around the Western Caribbean. Kabir gives us a full Norwegian Epic review, including embarkation, the stateroom, dining options, entertainment and shares his tips and secrets. Bill Panoff, president and CEO of Fort Lauderdale-based PPI Group, began his career as a cruise director and went into cruise publishing. Bill took his company a step further and now has over 60 port shopping lecturers. No one knows cruise port shopping like Bill. Bill joins us to answer a listener question about…

To welcome Carnival Freedom to Galveston, Texas on Valentine’s Day, Carnival Cruise Line teamed up with Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization that supports military families. During the event aboard the ship Carnival Cruise Line gave over 1,000 military members a free concert by country star Martina McBride, dinner in the main dining room and a full evening of entertainment onboard the ship. Before the Martina McBride concert, Carnival Cruise Line presented Operation Homefront with a $100,000 to help military families throughout the country. We were broadcasting live from the…

Ben Souza from CruiseFever just returned from a two-night Bahamas cruise aboard MSC Divina. On this cruise Ben got to experience the MSC Cruises experience and share what it’s like. In this episode Ben does a bow to stern review of MSC Divina, including: food, entertainment, cabins, service, the ship and Nassau, Bahamas. Stewart Chiron The Cruise Guy has Cruise News: Cunard ships meet in Long Beach and San Francisco Carnival Vista is heading to PortMiami in Florida Steel cut for the fourth Oasis-class ship Royal Caribbean has been offering free wifi on Quantum of the Seas as a testing stage…

Don Bucolo and his wife just returned from Royal Caribbean’s brand new Quantum of the Seas, based in Bayonne, NJ - for now. This cruise ship has it all from almost two dozen dining venues, indoor skydiving, robotic bartenders to bumper cars. This is one ship you’ll want to take a cruise vacation on!

There are so many stories online of horror airport immigration experiences that you could start a Tumblr and never run out material (http://shittyairportexperiences.tumblr.com/ is free if you want to be the person to start that Tumblr). In my years of international travel I’ve had some memorably bad border control experiences (some of which were my own fault) which I could add to said Tumblr. Most of the time though immigration experiences are uneventful. You are usually greeted with an officer looking to assert their authority on the situation and only the most sober yes/no answers…

Greetings from Melbourne. After 15 months away from Australia I’m back in my (former) home city for a brief visit. This time last week I was by the beach in Sri Lanka where I was all set to send out the news but the internet wasn’t cooperating. While Sri Lanka may not be a digital nomad paradise, it is one of the best beach destinations I’ve visited. More on that soon! Until then, here is this weeks edition of Nomadic News. Location Independence The rise of coliving spaces is bringing digital nomadism to the next level What you didn’t know about the RV retirement…

Greetings from Kandy. I’m in Sri Lanka for two weeks so there will be more travel than work over this time. Surprisingly (or not) the internet has been alright so far at the places I’ve stayed at. I’ve decided not to get a sim card for this trip, so I will be relying on hotel/guesthouse internet at the end of the day. I’m still reading links though, so here is this weeks edition of Nomadic News. Location Independence Rise of digital nomad destinations – 10 projects that are changing the way we travel, work & live. Maps Bright lights, big cities –…

Country: Sri Lanka Date: 12 February, 2015 [Galle Face Green – Colombo] New Country Day is a tag I use to record my first day in a new country. It is one part to record which countries I’ve been to, and one part to record that feeling of being in a country for the first time. Sri Lanka is my first new country for 2015, and one that has been on my “to visit” list for a few years now. I arrived in Colombo from Kuala Lumpur in the afternoon, which gave me enough time to drop my bags off at my apartment rental and then wander down to Galle Face Green for sunset. Galle Face…

After spending so much time in Saigon I figured it was time to see more of the country before going on my next trip. I’ve been to the Mekong Delta before but there is so much to see, so I made a plan to travel through the Delta by bus, get the ferry to Phu Quoc, then fly back to Saigon. My Tho is only two hours away from Saigon which makes it the default day trip destination for the Mekong Delta. The biggest hassle is getting out of the city. You will spend half of those two hours getting out of Saigon. Another hassle is that buses to the south of Vietnam depart from bus stations in the…

There’s a reason why Ben Franklin coined beer as the proof that God loves us and wants to be happy. As one of the world’s oldest prepared beverages, dating all the way back to 3500 B.C., this wonderfully flavorful concoction was instrumental in the formation of civilizations, serving as the backbone for many religious gatherings and festivities. The art of brewing has taken many different shapes since the beverage was popularized and spread through Europe by Germanic and Celtic tribes in early 3000 B.C., but one thing remains true: nothing quite compares to a cold mug of suds after a hard…

A friend in North Carolina recently shared, via social media, a picture of daffodil shoots emerging in his yard. It will be weeks before those shoots mature into blooms, but their presence is encouraging. This time of year can be hard. The cheery brightness of the holiday season is past, and, for many, the worst winter weather is upon us (or threatening). Sure, warmer climates offer a respite, but the difficulty and expense of reaching a sunny, warm locale may prove prohibitive. Instead, you can visit a place where spring is in full bloom – and it may be in your own town. Photo credit:…

Farallon San Francisco is known for its colorful neighborhood culture and melting pot atmosphere. Sometimes known as the “City by the Bay,” San Fran is also a beacon for those who savor seafood – whether they live within one of the various neighborhoods that comprise its 231 square mile city borders, or are tourists just passing through. While San Francisco offers a wealth of museums and opportunities to see fine art, as well as a touch of the unusual scattered throughout the city, its seafood dining options are beyond measure. CityPASS has narrowed the field to just a few of San…

Photo credit: Underground Atlanta The 26th annual New Year’s Eve Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta launched what could be a final year of shopping, eating, events and attractions at the historic downtown landmark as it is today. Renowned as the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the Southeast, the drop of the 800-pound fiber and foam peach down the Underground’s 138-foot tower draws an estimated 175,000 spectators. The drop is the first of a year’s worth of activities and attractions at the six-block Underground Atlanta site, with its 12 acres and three levels of shopping,…

CN Tower If you think Torontonians hibernate just because of a little cold and snow (okay, a lot of cold and snow), you’d be mistaken. In fact, some of these folks spent New Year's Day plunging into Humber Bay for the annual Polar Bear Dip. Participants will tell you there’s nothing like shaking off the cobwebs of the prior night’s New Year’s Eve madness than an invigorating plunge. For the rest of us, Toronto offers oodles of activities to pass the long winters or just a few days. Visitors will love exploring this crisp, clean, cosmopolitan city no matter what the season. Zip to the…

I built this page as a community resource to help travel bloggers and industry pool information and resources to help us all keep up on the latest information and develop a better understanding of our business. Below is an embedded Google Drive folder. It has read-only permissions and anyone may can view and download anything from it. This is a community file and the quality of this resource relies on user contributions. If you expect to contribute frequently, just drop me a line with the email address that you use to log in to Google, and I’ll add you as an admin. If you’d…

I was invited by Skype to join their team of Moment Makers for their #SkypeXGames campaign. They flew me down to Aspen and put me up for four days during the XGames and all they asked was that I go share my experience on social media, along with their other Moment Makers, halfpipe ski legend Jen Hudak and former pro snowboarder Jesse Csincsak, using their #SkypeXGames hastag. It was epic. We spent the three days hanging out in the VIP lounge, meeting Jesse’s and Jen’s athlete friends, and going to the after concerts. You can read my story about the trip on the Skype blog here. I…

Then, after that, I’ll be snowboarding across the Western USA. I’ll talk more about that later. First, the X-Games. One of the perks of being a blogger is that every once in a while you receive an email with a random opportunity that makes your day. Two weeks ago I sat down at my computer with a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, opened my inbox, and found an email from Skype offering to send me to the X-Games in Aspen as part of their Skype Moments campaign. Made. My. Day. All I had to do, they said, would be to post on social media about the trip as I normally would, and use…

I’ve always been a bit of a minimalist. I rarely buy new equipment if I am able make do with what I have for ethical as well as economic reasons. But, the more I travel, the more important my travel gear becomes to me. Over the past few years I’ve been lucky enough to have started receiving gear for review from companies — often things that I could never afford. I’ve also become much more calculated in my purchases and have gradually refined my travel kit, swapping out second-rate pieces of gear for top-notch ones. It’s had an enormous effect on the quality of my travels. Packing is…

The weather outside may be frightful, but travelling this winter can be delightful! Whether you’re packing for a winter wonderland with the kids or escaping the cold, these tips from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will make airport security a breeze. Before The Airport Snowy weather can make getting to the airport a challenge, so make sure to arrive with plenty of time to check in and go through screening. Wait times for major airports are listed on CATSA’s website or CATSA’s app for your convenience. Remember to put all liquids, aerosols and gels over 100…

Although I’m not Cuban nor am I a Cuban-American, I have had the privilege of witnessing many of Cuba’s recent changes right before my eyes. How has a Wisconsinite with no Cuban heritage gotten this glimpse of Cuba? I was in the right place at the right time. I started in 2013 as a tour director for people to people tours, escorting Americans through four major cities in Cuba: Cienfuegos, Santa Clara, Trinidad, and of course Havana. In that year alone, I spent over eighty days in Cuba. Some people have claimed to travel around the world in eighty days. Instead, I decided to dive…

When I share with any American that I have traveled to Cuba, I’m involved a lengthy conversation about how, isn’t it illegal, what it’s like, and if I have any Cuban cigars. Especially with the recent good news of U.S.-Cuban relations gradually opening up, my inbox has been overflowing with shared articles about the changes and predictions about the future. I have been writing about Cuba as well as leading legal people-to-people tours for Americans since 2013. I have spent over 80 days in Cuba. And, I will be going to Cuba for my first trip since the news was announced in…

The Road to Hana is world renowned for being one of the most beautiful and romantic drives. If you travel to Maui, it would be a sin not to drive the Road to Hana. The trick is to survive it! Last month, I braved the Road to Hana with my PIC (Partner In Crime). I didn’t necessarily feel romantic as I rode along the 52 miles of narrow roads with 617 sharp, windy, and hairpin curves and 56 bridges. Yes, it was an intense sensory experience for my PIC and I, but only at times romantic. It was the most spectacular, unpleasant ride I have ever that I had chosen to do. I wasn’t…

Some of my favorite destinations have been in the mountains, whether in Torres del Paine in Patagonia or the Rockies. For the New Year, I challenge you to cross off some adventure travel from your bucket list. In order to inspire you with three destinations that are currently on my bucket list, I asked a peer travel writer and adventure lover, Cheryl Staunton to discuss the world’s prettiest mountain destinations. Go ahead Cheryl! Inspire some bucket list adventure travel in 2015! World’s Prettiest Mountain Destinations Clear air, stunning views, outdoor activities, the sense of…

As we approach the New Year, do you have a bold adventure on your bucket list for 2015? I certainly do. This year, I bungee jumped in Auckland, New Zealand (see picture). I also conquered kayaking Kauai’s Na Pali Coast twice, once against the current and strong winds. For 2015, I will be in Bali, Kauai, Cuba, and Tuscany. I plan on getting into some fun adventures while I’m in all of my 2015 destinations: SCUBA, hiking, SUP, perhaps surfing, and more. To help you with your 2015 adventure travel bucket list items, I asked a peer travel writer and adrenaline junkie, Cheryl Staunton…

Coffee Lodge and Bakery in Plymouth, Indiana Exterior Take a good hard look at that building above–Coffee Lodge and Bakery in Plymouth, Indiana recently celebrated their fourth birthday! For a small business, any business, and in this economy, it’s super double huge with an extra shot of espresso. Plymouth, Indiana Coffee Shop Coffee Lodge and Bakery in Plymouth, Indiana I’m pretty sure you won’t expect what you’ll find when you hit the road and get inside of this Marshall County coffee shop. There’s a great deck for the warmer months but the inside is fine…

The Mixing Bowl Restaurant and Cafe in Martinsville, Indiana I made a new discovery at The Mixing Bowl Restaurant and Bakery in Martinsville, Indiana! Okay, so, yes, the restaurant was a new enough discovery for me but they had one particular item I had never had before. Do you know what the tasty-looking item is in my above image? (for the record, yes, it was very tasty indeed) Martinsville, Indiana Restaurant The Mixing Bowl Restaurant and Cafe in Martinsville, Indiana I admit, I didn’t either. See, here’s the thing about me: if I am visiting my local restaurants, they already…

Chocolate Orange Blossom Cookies Recipe It was one of those days when the baking mood struck and I knew I wanted to make a variation of peanut butter blossoms. That’s when I discovered this excellent Chocolate Orange Blossoms cookie recipe! It is such a delicious, delightful twist on the classic “blossom” cookie. We absolutely loved it! I think all of the chocolate orange lovers in your home will, too. I would highly recommend that you use only fresh orange peel for this recipe. Yes, I know, the jar of orange peel from the store is so quick and easy but even if you…

Scottsburg, Indiana is a miracle town in so many ways. Once on the brink, like far too many small towns, they were able to bounce back and thrive! This small town is incredibly busy and bustling. The downtown shops are varied and wonderful and the local restaurants and cafes? Yes, those are fantastic too. Really, there’s so many reasons why I love this town. Although Scottsburg has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state (two major industries shut down within a week of each other in 2008), town officials and area churches have been working hard to educate and lift up…

Perry County Old Courthouse Museum in Cannelton, Indiana County courthouses are always worth a look, especially when they have been converted from courthouse to museum as is the case with the Perry County Old Courthouse Museum in Cannelton, Indiana! Up on a hill, this is a beautiful Italian renaissance building. I couldn’t wait to get inside the Perry County Old Courthouse Museum and learn more about this Ohio river town. Cannelton, Indiana History Museum Perry County Old Courthouse Museum in Cannelton, Indiana A striking yellow brick building, there are sharp Bedford limestone touches.

When you mention Iceland, most people think of cold, barren places with a few geysers and lots of volcanos. However, there is actually a lot more to Iceland than that. Tauck Tours focus on delivering off the beaten track tours to people who want to have the holiday of a lifetime without having to cripple themselves financially. One of the tours they offer is a tour to Iceland. So why should you go there? Iceland with Tauck Tours When you visit Iceland with Tauck Tours, you will get to cruise various picturesque fishing villages, Reykjavik in all its cosmopolitan beauty, old farmlands and, of…

Experiencing everything that Europe has to offer is a desire of many a traveller. With so many countries to cover and an endless amount of travel, exploring Europe can be hard to plan and also come at a high price. As well as visiting the Eiffel Tower or seeking out true Italian pizza, consider taking an active holiday to see the best beaches and countryside that Europe has to offer. Naples on Horseback This part of Italy is home to Vesuvio National Park – so called because it surrounds Mount Vesuvius. While the park is full of roads for easy travel, nature tracks offer the perfect view.

Canada can accommodate any adventurer’s desires, including those on a culinary quest. Every major city in Canada has its share of fine dining options, but which options are the best? In this article I will argue for the best dining option in each major Canadian city. Truffles If you find yourself taking a trip to Toronto, Canada anytime soon, you should make a reservation at Truffles. Located in the Toronto Four Seasons Hotel, Truffles offers a variety of exquisite French cuisine. The restaurant has an acclaimed signature dish comprised of spaghettini pasta, a light truffle sauce and…

The Cyclades islands are amongst the most popular and most beautiful in the Aegean Sea. Pebble strewn beaches stretch out before shimmering turquoise waters shadowed by ancient white cliffs. Upon these islands stand whitewashed cubist homes and markets arranged along twisting cobblestone pathways designed to protect the cities in time of danger. Paradise Beach Exactly what the name implies Paradise Beach is a golden sand testament to the scenic perfection of these regions. During peak season this coastline fills with tanned and oiled bodies bronzing in the warm Mediterranean sun. Paradise…

Truckers spend most working days on the road – it’s their job, after all. And since they’re transporting tons of materials across the country in a large vehicle, they need to be especially mindful of other drivers. So, practicing safe driving should be stressed to new truck drivers before their first trip on the road. Here are some tips for truck drivers for staying safe on the road. Prep the truck Readying a vehicle for the road is an important task to prepare for a long drive. Perform routine maintenance like changing the oil, replacing the necessary fluids, checking wiper blades…

While we’ve featured so many great ideas for dinner parties & entertaining over the years, sometimes you just can’t find enough time on everyone’s schedules for doing a full dinner occasion. When that happens, what I like to do instead is to throw a ‘drinks & dessert’ mini-evening event. It’s a little simpler to prepare, it doesn’t mean you have to carve hours out of your week, and you can really focus on getting together with friends for good conversation — the most important part. Here are some tips for making your mini-event count.

Remember not too long ago when we made infused sugar? Well, we’re going to do it again — only this time we’re going savory! Here’s how to make your very own infused salts for kitchen and bath. For Kitchen We throw salt into our food almost without thinking, but what if that salt could pack in even more flavor? The addition of spices and herbs can take your meals from “yum” to “wow” in seconds. Just as with sugar, almost anything can be added to salt, so think about what you cook most often. Is it a certain kind of meat? Pasta? Do you have a penchant for Mexican or Italian…

Remember that Alka-Seltzer jingle from the 90s? Nobody likes to eat and run, they’d rather take it slow. But the way this life is going, you got to get your food and go! If all that runnin’ round catches up with you at last, Get yourself some Alka-seltzer and you’ll feel better fast. You have no idea how often this song plays in my head as my shoulders crunch up to my ears with all the tension I hold there or I lose sleep thinking of everything I need to get done. What’s sad is how normal it has become to feel stress like that as I rush about all day, every day. But why am I always in…

If you asked most people why they exercise, they would probably tell you one of two things: either because they have to or because they are training for something. Both of those are perfectly good reasons to exercise. We do need to move our bodies in order to be at our healthiest, and choosing and training for an event can be a great motivator and lots of fun. But what would happen if we focused on movement as the source of feeling good and loving and nurturing ourselves? Let’s ditch the fitness extremes. Let’s talk about the two extremes. First we have the people who we will call the…

Flatbreads have become so popular. They are crispy, delicious appetizers in restaurants, great finger food with wine at home, and can be used for sandwich makings and croutons or a nice lunch with soup. There are lots of crusty edges. It is an excellent use of seasonal produce, yet can be fantastic with just some olive oil and salt, and foacce (the plural) makes fantastic vegetarian options. What is Focaccia? Focaccia is an Italian flatbread made from a sturdy, simple dough just like the one for pizza crust: flour, salt, water, yeast, and olive oil. Every ancient culture has some type of…

Who doesn't love islands? But I'm quite particular, favoring those that harken to an earlier time, when cars didn't exist as the primary means of transportation. Yes, I search out car-free islands because it's these landscapes where I can feel free to explore in a pollution free environment, without the squealing of brakes or the honking of horns, where I can depend on human-powered locomotion to visit historic sites or just peacefully prowl around coves, hamlets and green spaces. You never know what you'll discover when you're not in a rush.I recently wrote an article for National Geographic…

The Curacao most people see is the one with glorious sandy beaches. The one I preferred to visit is lush with pockets of forest land and salt pans where flamingos flock, decked out with bold art objects, and dotted with dramatic sea scapes. Plus, you have the charming pastel-hued old quarter of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. My YouTube video slideshow provides a window into my Curacao. Be sure to check www.jthetravelauthority.com for more travel tips.

Another day, another snowstorm. That's the way this winter is working out in New York City. When I received the women's Stio Skycrest Pullover to review, I initiallly thought I'd wait until I took my cross-country ski adventure in Maine in a month. Instead, I've been relying on this warm, ultra thin and soft piece of clothing for the frigid weather in Manhattan. The garment is insulated with a non-bulky synthetic fill, Thermo Ecodown. (Bye, bye layering with bulky sweaters.) And the kangaroo zipped pocket is ideal for stashing valuables. (There are also two side pockets to keep my…

Bicycling, one of my favorite means of traveling, isn't just a mode of transportation. More importantly, it's a way to get in touch with the land and its people. It's the ultimate way to stop and smell the roses, to use a cliche. I recently wrote about five great bicycle routes in Europe for National Geographic Traveler - Intelligent Travel.These are just a few of my endearing and surprising finds along those routes: • In Norway's Lofoten Islands, guests can overnight in the sometimes Spartan rorbuer or fishermans' cottages, and even cast a line through a hole punctured in the…

Anyone you follows me on Twitter or Instagram knows that my handle is JCreature Travel. But the JCreature is not just part of my social media presence. I'm very excited and happy to have found such as awesome actor,India Choquette for my photo shoot featuring my new product line: JCreatures® - T-Shirts With Attitude. These American Apparel silkscreened shirts are oh-so-soft (100% fine Jersey cotton), featuring different colors on each short-sleeve as well as a different colored pocket. Perfect as a Pajama-Tee or Beach Cover-up for kids or adults who are kids at heart. They are…

Winter is still upon us but I am thinking about the hiking that I am going to do this spring and summer. I have a date with a mountain. A mountain that bested me in July of 2014. It was a lofty goal. And I don’t mean for my kids. I was more worried about myself on the trip up a 14er. Colorado 14ers are mountains that are above 14,000 feet. There are over 50 14ers in Colorado and they rank from a drive up the road to a rigorous hike to a mountain climb. We picked Mt. Bierstadt, a 14er that is known for being a great first timer hike. And by first timer hike, they mean a hiker who hikes…

We have visited a lot of the ski resorts within an hour or two driving distance of the front range of Colorado and we love each of them for different reasons. We haven’t found one that is as family friendly and kid centered as Keystone Ski Resort. I am a huge advocate of going places because I want to and I know that my children will be just fine. I don’t need a place that caters to my kids but, sometimes, it is nice to be able to sit back and relax while the kids enjoy their kid-centered activities. Keystone Ski Resort is a pro at doing this. At Keystone, kids are king. Bighorn…

I have said over and over that before we moved to Denver, I thought ski resorts were for skiing. I hadn’t spent much time at ski resorts and didn’t realize how much the offer for the non-skier. For the past couple of years, I have tried to find time to take a snowcat tour but I just couldn’t justify the cost for the whole family and didn’t really want to go by myself. This Christmas, my mom was in town and we spent some time in Winter Park, CO for the holidays. I decided that this was the perfect excuse to take a snowcat tour and we made a girl’s day out of it.

Keystone Resort offers so many great activities that the whole family will love. While exploring Keystone, there were a number of things that I felt made our ski day go much more smoothly. Free Front Row Parking in the River Run Parking Lot Right Next to the Gear Wagons I don’t know about you but I find the hardest part about skiing together as a family is just getting to the ski lift. By time the kids have pulled on the ski pants (because, you know, the drive up is much more comfy when you aren’t in your ski pants), the jacket, and the gloves to strapping on those ski boots, I often feel…

Skiing can be an incredibly pricey adventure. Living in Denver affords us the luxury of being day skiers if we are ready and willing to brave the traffic on I-70, but we try to spend a few days in the mountains when we can so that we don’t have to drive back and forth. Last year, we had the opportunity to stay in a timeshare for a week at Christmas. A week! That is far too many days to be eating meals out and about around the ski resorts. Even if your resort is located in a town like the one we visited, Winter Park, it can still get costly as you buy three meals a day for your entire…

Follow my blog with Bloglovin The Business Travel Show in London is Europe’s largest with over 250 exhibitors and 6,500+ industry professionals attending the event. This year, BTS took place in Kensington Olympia and apart from the chocolate overload that everyone experienced, the event gave valuable insights to our industry, current news and trends and the future of business travel. When we entered the venue, we were instantly surprised by how big and buzzing it was. Agents and suppliers within our industry, airline and train companies as well as hotel providers filled up the entire…

CHAPTER 4: KENSINGTON A district within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in Central London, Kensington is known for its beautiful buildings, impressive gardens, grand museums and royal palaces. The profound history of Kensington never fails to impress traveler. Needless to say, a trip to London is incomplete without a visit to this culturally rich area. Read further and know more about Kensington. Attractions Royal Albert Hall: Situated in South Kensington, Royal Albert Hall is the world’s most famous stage. Its magnificent auditorium hosts over 350 shows a year by some of…

Chapter 3: Chelsea Designer shops, exciting punk boutiques, world-class restaurants, historical sites and a bohemian culture – this is what defines the very affluent Chelsea. Located along the iconic river Thames in central London, Chelsea is surrounded by Knightsbridge, Earls Court, Nine Elms, Kensington, Pimlico and Belgravia. Bands like Rolling Stones and the Beatles have had an association with this place. Read and know all about the chic, trendy and historically significant Chelsea. Here you go! Attractions The Saatchi Gallery Where: Duke of York’s Square, Chelsea,…

Chapter 2: Canary Wharf The financial hub of London, Canary Wharf is a modern district located in Tower Hamlets in London. It houses some of London’s tallest and most attractive skyscrapers. Close to 300 shops, bars, cafes and restaurants enliven this happening area of London. Canary Wharf demonstrates world class architecture and a cosmopolitan feel that’s simply incomparable. Read below to know all about Canary Wharf and here’s a small Map of the place: Shopping Canary Wharf is rightly established as a first rate shopping destination. Be it the luxurious brands like Montblanc,…

Special Edition : Love in London “Like a river flows surely to the sea Darling so it goes some things are meant to be take my hand, take my whole life too for I can’t help falling in love with you for I can’t help falling in love with you…” Wine and Roses. Strawberries and champagne. Cosy dinner under starlit skies. Here comes February – the month of love, magic and romance. Go ahead and plan something really special for your loved ones. Take her out and woo her like never before. Plan something unique for him that leaves him awestruck. In case you need some inspiration,…

#CruiseAlert: Crystal Cruises acquired by GHK Buzzing: look for an innovative new build that will exceed all current & on-order luxury offerings in the global cruise industry LOS ANGELES, March 3, 2015 – Today, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), Crystal Cruises’ parent company since its inception in 1988, announced it has entered into an agreement... Continue Reading The post Crystal Cruises to be acquired by Genting Hong Kong appeared first on Cruise Buzz.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss from Carnival Today’s inspiration from Carnival Cruise Line who posted a whimsical tribute to Theodor Seuss Geisel aka Dr. Seuss. The American writer and cartoonist has certainly left his mark…. Carnival Cruise Line joins many others today who give the author and illustrator props on his birthday. Wait a... Continue Reading The post Carnival Cruise Line celebrates Dr. Seuss appeared first on Cruise Buzz.

P&O Cruises Britannia handover is complete When Mickey Arison tweets “The Official Handover of Britannia: http://youtu.be/By53Enp9LK0 via @YouTube Elegant was what everyone said, She will be a huge hit” – I have to take notice. Britannia is handed over to P&O Cruises by Fincantieri Shipyards and you can see what all the buzz is about... Continue Reading The post (video) The Official Handover of Britannia to P&O Cruises appeared first on Cruise Buzz.

Sand. Sun. Music. Rum. Bikinis. Boardshorts. Chesney. Zac Brown. Jake Owen. Bikinis. Ocean. SPF. Sweat. Fort Lauderdale. Florida. Corona. There’s no beach party like the Tortuga Music Festival. Just imagine all the words mentioned above melted together in a sea of musical bliss. That’s what a ticket at the Tortuga Music Festival on Ft. Lauderdale beach gets you. The only thing better than going to this epic beach party is going for FREE! Yes Castaways, I’m giving away two tickets to the Tortuga Music Festival. Who wants to go?! It’s free to enter, simply click here.

When I go to an Island I like to to blend in with the every day life. The best way to do that is rent a house or villa. A hit and run on a giant cruise ship is the the furthest thing from that experience. Staying at a relaxing hotel is close, but you’re still pretty pampered. Staying at a house or villa gives you that, hey this is my home, type feeling. You go grocery shopping, you clean up after yourself, you even take out the trash. You feel as if you just moved into paradise. Here are some good reasons why renting a villa is the way to go, especial if you are looking for romance.

Let’s just get this out of the way… Winter sucks. It’s freeze all over the east coast and parts of Florida saw freezing temps last night. Next week’s trip to Nassau can’t come soon enough. To warm your spirit this week’s Caribbean wrap up has stories about popular beaches, what to do on Curacao, and some off the beaten path islands that will seduce your island soul. Stay warm Castaways, spring is just around the corner. Caribbean Weekly Wrap Up John Watling’s Rum Tour: John Watling’s Rum, the “Spirit of The Bahamas,” offers complimentary tours at…

After one sip, you’ll sinking into soft pink sand. Sipping a new rum for the first time is sort of like kissing someone new. You know you want to do it, but is it going to be a sweet thrill or a sloppy mess. I’m happy to say that when I kissed AFROHEAD’s 15 year XO rum for the first time last week it was on the side of sweet deliciousness. Last month, the rum that calls Harbour Island in the Bahamas home, celebrated its launch into the South Florida market. Whenever a new rum washes ashore in the states, there’s usually a pretty interesting story behind it. AFROHEAD is…

Torino, Italy: What to Know Formerly of Olympics Fame 2006 host of the Winter Olympics. Home to Italy’s most successful football (soccer) team, as well as the European Capital of Sport for the year 2015. The city that Italians say has the best chocolate in the country. Birthplace of a shockingly small number of names that non-Italians would recognize. Of course, I’m talking about Torino, Italy – Americanized to be Turin. A forgotten city when compared to its country-mates of Venice, Florence, and Rome, Torino has less of an ancient past and more of a mid-millennial history. Covered in…

A Road to Bologna Discovering Bologna, Italy I sat on the computer staring at the screen mapping out my Italy trip with my wife. I wanted to visit Ljubljana and San Marino, Venice and Rome. I wanted a major city with sites and history. I discovered Bologna by accident – and not in a good way. The seventh largest city in Italy was conveniently located in the north of the country. It was a bigger city, had lots of options and an old section of town with loads of history. Still, when I mentioned stopping in Bologna and using it as a hub for an Adriatic adventure, I was met with several well…

Fiesole, Italy The Sights in Florence I sat soaking up the sun in a small walled garden. Tumbling geraniums held the moss-covered stones together as they did most of this hillside town. The drone of bees left the air heavy. Once formal garden paths weaved through one another as they rambled towards a statue of the Virgin, standing forgotten in the center of the garden. A rose branch crept out to tenderly embrace her. Autumn sunshine danced through the trees, with midges floating contentedly in the warmth of its wake. Below me, the Duomo rose above the purple haze of Florence. Church bells…

Andalucia and its White Villages Driving Southern Spain Driving in a foreign country can intimidate the best of us. My first time driving in Southern Spain, I worried about mysterious traffic rules and weird signage – all of which would be in español! How would I get from place to place without roadside disaster? Calmer thinking prevailed when I ultimately decided that if I wanted to get the most out of southern Spain and its White Villages, the most quintessentially Spanish towns, self-touring was the way to go. Of course, after I got behind the wheel, revved the engine and pulled away…

Slovenia Surprise Arriving in Slovenia I arrived in Slovenia after many hours and many border patrol checkpoints since leaving Serbia at dawn. Ignoring the straight freeway, our shuttle van veered onto a two-lane road in Bosnia, and crossed into Croatia, before popping back onto the the main freeway and the border of Slovenia. I suppose the the detour from the freeway was to cut down on the larger, more congested border crossings. As it was, we were pulled over by some unhappy-looking Bosnian police who scowled at my passport. Slovenia is not your Mother’s Eastern Europe Upon entering…

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas Which cruise lines are making headlines this week? Travel journalist Donna Tunney — ShermansTravel’s cruise expert — has all the latest news. Check back every Tuesday for trends, new amenities, and money-saving ideas that help you plan a perfect vacation at sea. Thought the Oasis of the Seas — the world’s biggest cruise ship since 2009 — is humongous at a 5,400-passenger capacity? In 2016, Royal Caribbean International is launching an even bigger Harmony of the Seas, slated to accommodate 5,479 guests when it launches in…

themreport Is Asia the new Caribbean? For thousands of experienced cruisers ready to visit exotic places — such as China, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia — the answer is a resounding “yes.” While some first-time cruisers set off for Asia, most are intrepid travelers who have already island-hopped in the Caribbean and sailed the familiar cruising grounds of Europe and Alaska. Now, they’re venturing off the beaten path — and cruise lines are delivering with more routes and better ports. Here’s a peek at what’s hot. Top Ports Hong Kong and…

Flickr/cletch As winter maintains an icy grip on the East Coast for a few more weeks, we like the idea of following the birds south to sunny Sanibel. Just off the coast of Fort Myers in Florida, Sanibel has seen a resurgence in national and international tourism in recent years, thanks to its year-round sun and white, sandy Gulf beaches. It’s a quieter, more relaxing, and very affordable scene here compared to the hubbub along the state’s eastern coast — ideal for those seeking to stay active but low-key, all the while enjoying fine dining and great shopping. Here’s…

YVE Hotel Miami Bunking in a brand-new hotel near the beach for $169 per night this spring? Yes, please! This past December, YVE Hotel Miami opened its doors in downtown Miami on Biscayne Boulevard. This means that some rooms have great Biscayne Bay and Port of Miami views — while the property’s proximity to attractions like the American Airlines Arena, Bayfront Park (right outside its doors), and Museum Park negates the need for a car if you want to spend most of your time in the city center. The affordable chic hotel boasts 243 rooms, plenty of which are going for $169,…

Flickr[St Stev] On a recent trip to Southeast Europe, we discovered something fascinating: The former Yugoslavia, to Serbians, was the perfect example of communism. But chat with some locals and chances are they’ll mention that it was really “Titoism,” named after President Josip Broz Tito, that propelled the country to be the socialist, independent nation that it had become. Even today, after Yugoslavia’s collapse, many are proud of their former leader and his lax communist approach. For your own glimpse of Yugo-nostalgia, here’s a communist tour of Belgrade…

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas Which cruise lines are making headlines this week? Travel journalist Donna Tunney — ShermansTravel’s cruise expert — has all the latest news. Check back every Tuesday for trends, new amenities, and money-saving ideas that help you plan a perfect vacation at sea. Thought the Oasis of the Seas — the world’s biggest cruise ship since 2009 — is humongous at a 5,400-passenger capacity? In 2016, Royal Caribbean International is launching an even bigger Harmony of the Seas, slated to accommodate 5,479 guests when it launches in…

themreport Is Asia the new Caribbean? For thousands of experienced cruisers ready to visit exotic places — such as China, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia — the answer is a resounding “yes.” While some first-time cruisers set off for Asia, most are intrepid travelers who have already island-hopped in the Caribbean and sailed the familiar cruising grounds of Europe and Alaska. Now, they’re venturing off the beaten path — and cruise lines are delivering with more routes and better ports. Here’s a peek at what’s hot. Top Ports Hong Kong and…

Flickr/cletch As winter maintains an icy grip on the East Coast for a few more weeks, we like the idea of following the birds south to sunny Sanibel. Just off the coast of Fort Myers in Florida, Sanibel has seen a resurgence in national and international tourism in recent years, thanks to its year-round sun and white, sandy Gulf beaches. It’s a quieter, more relaxing, and very affordable scene here compared to the hubbub along the state’s eastern coast — ideal for those seeking to stay active but low-key, all the while enjoying fine dining and great shopping. Here’s…

YVE Hotel Miami Bunking in a brand-new hotel near the beach for $169 per night this spring? Yes, please! This past December, YVE Hotel Miami opened its doors in downtown Miami on Biscayne Boulevard. This means that some rooms have great Biscayne Bay and Port of Miami views — while the property’s proximity to attractions like the American Airlines Arena, Bayfront Park (right outside its doors), and Museum Park negates the need for a car if you want to spend most of your time in the city center. The affordable chic hotel boasts 243 rooms, plenty of which are going for $169,…

Flickr[St Stev] On a recent trip to Southeast Europe, we discovered something fascinating: The former Yugoslavia, to Serbians, was the perfect example of communism. But chat with some locals and chances are they’ll mention that it was really “Titoism,” named after President Josip Broz Tito, that propelled the country to be the socialist, independent nation that it had become. Even today, after Yugoslavia’s collapse, many are proud of their former leader and his lax communist approach. For your own glimpse of Yugo-nostalgia, here’s a communist tour of Belgrade…

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas Which cruise lines are making headlines this week? Travel journalist Donna Tunney — ShermansTravel’s cruise expert — has all the latest news. Check back every Tuesday for trends, new amenities, and money-saving ideas that help you plan a perfect vacation at sea. Thought the Oasis of the Seas — the world’s biggest cruise ship since 2009 — is humongous at a 5,400-passenger capacity? In 2016, Royal Caribbean International is launching an even bigger Harmony of the Seas, slated to accommodate 5,479 guests when it launches in…

themreport Is Asia the new Caribbean? For thousands of experienced cruisers ready to visit exotic places — such as China, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia — the answer is a resounding “yes.” While some first-time cruisers set off for Asia, most are intrepid travelers who have already island-hopped in the Caribbean and sailed the familiar cruising grounds of Europe and Alaska. Now, they’re venturing off the beaten path — and cruise lines are delivering with more routes and better ports. Here’s a peek at what’s hot. Top Ports Hong Kong and…

Flickr/cletch As winter maintains an icy grip on the East Coast for a few more weeks, we like the idea of following the birds south to sunny Sanibel. Just off the coast of Fort Myers in Florida, Sanibel has seen a resurgence in national and international tourism in recent years, thanks to its year-round sun and white, sandy Gulf beaches. It’s a quieter, more relaxing, and very affordable scene here compared to the hubbub along the state’s eastern coast — ideal for those seeking to stay active but low-key, all the while enjoying fine dining and great shopping. Here’s…

YVE Hotel Miami Bunking in a brand-new hotel near the beach for $169 per night this spring? Yes, please! This past December, YVE Hotel Miami opened its doors in downtown Miami on Biscayne Boulevard. This means that some rooms have great Biscayne Bay and Port of Miami views — while the property’s proximity to attractions like the American Airlines Arena, Bayfront Park (right outside its doors), and Museum Park negates the need for a car if you want to spend most of your time in the city center. The affordable chic hotel boasts 243 rooms, plenty of which are going for $169,…

Flickr[St Stev] On a recent trip to Southeast Europe, we discovered something fascinating: The former Yugoslavia, to Serbians, was the perfect example of communism. But chat with some locals and chances are they’ll mention that it was really “Titoism,” named after President Josip Broz Tito, that propelled the country to be the socialist, independent nation that it had become. Even today, after Yugoslavia’s collapse, many are proud of their former leader and his lax communist approach. For your own glimpse of Yugo-nostalgia, here’s a communist tour of Belgrade…

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas Which cruise lines are making headlines this week? Travel journalist Donna Tunney — ShermansTravel’s cruise expert — has all the latest news. Check back every Tuesday for trends, new amenities, and money-saving ideas that help you plan a perfect vacation at sea. Thought the Oasis of the Seas — the world’s biggest cruise ship since 2009 — is humongous at a 5,400-passenger capacity? In 2016, Royal Caribbean International is launching an even bigger Harmony of the Seas, slated to accommodate 5,479 guests when it launches in…

themreport Is Asia the new Caribbean? For thousands of experienced cruisers ready to visit exotic places — such as China, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia — the answer is a resounding “yes.” While some first-time cruisers set off for Asia, most are intrepid travelers who have already island-hopped in the Caribbean and sailed the familiar cruising grounds of Europe and Alaska. Now, they’re venturing off the beaten path — and cruise lines are delivering with more routes and better ports. Here’s a peek at what’s hot. Top Ports Hong Kong and…

Flickr/cletch As winter maintains an icy grip on the East Coast for a few more weeks, we like the idea of following the birds south to sunny Sanibel. Just off the coast of Fort Myers in Florida, Sanibel has seen a resurgence in national and international tourism in recent years, thanks to its year-round sun and white, sandy Gulf beaches. It’s a quieter, more relaxing, and very affordable scene here compared to the hubbub along the state’s eastern coast — ideal for those seeking to stay active but low-key, all the while enjoying fine dining and great shopping. Here’s…

YVE Hotel Miami Bunking in a brand-new hotel near the beach for $169 per night this spring? Yes, please! This past December, YVE Hotel Miami opened its doors in downtown Miami on Biscayne Boulevard. This means that some rooms have great Biscayne Bay and Port of Miami views — while the property’s proximity to attractions like the American Airlines Arena, Bayfront Park (right outside its doors), and Museum Park negates the need for a car if you want to spend most of your time in the city center. The affordable chic hotel boasts 243 rooms, plenty of which are going for $169,…

Flickr[St Stev] On a recent trip to Southeast Europe, we discovered something fascinating: The former Yugoslavia, to Serbians, was the perfect example of communism. But chat with some locals and chances are they’ll mention that it was really “Titoism,” named after President Josip Broz Tito, that propelled the country to be the socialist, independent nation that it had become. Even today, after Yugoslavia’s collapse, many are proud of their former leader and his lax communist approach. For your own glimpse of Yugo-nostalgia, here’s a communist tour of Belgrade…

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas Which cruise lines are making headlines this week? Travel journalist Donna Tunney — ShermansTravel’s cruise expert — has all the latest news. Check back every Tuesday for trends, new amenities, and money-saving ideas that help you plan a perfect vacation at sea. Thought the Oasis of the Seas — the world’s biggest cruise ship since 2009 — is humongous at a 5,400-passenger capacity? In 2016, Royal Caribbean International is launching an even bigger Harmony of the Seas, slated to accommodate 5,479 guests when it launches in…

themreport Is Asia the new Caribbean? For thousands of experienced cruisers ready to visit exotic places — such as China, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia — the answer is a resounding “yes.” While some first-time cruisers set off for Asia, most are intrepid travelers who have already island-hopped in the Caribbean and sailed the familiar cruising grounds of Europe and Alaska. Now, they’re venturing off the beaten path — and cruise lines are delivering with more routes and better ports. Here’s a peek at what’s hot. Top Ports Hong Kong and…

Flickr/cletch As winter maintains an icy grip on the East Coast for a few more weeks, we like the idea of following the birds south to sunny Sanibel. Just off the coast of Fort Myers in Florida, Sanibel has seen a resurgence in national and international tourism in recent years, thanks to its year-round sun and white, sandy Gulf beaches. It’s a quieter, more relaxing, and very affordable scene here compared to the hubbub along the state’s eastern coast — ideal for those seeking to stay active but low-key, all the while enjoying fine dining and great shopping. Here’s…

YVE Hotel Miami Bunking in a brand-new hotel near the beach for $169 per night this spring? Yes, please! This past December, YVE Hotel Miami opened its doors in downtown Miami on Biscayne Boulevard. This means that some rooms have great Biscayne Bay and Port of Miami views — while the property’s proximity to attractions like the American Airlines Arena, Bayfront Park (right outside its doors), and Museum Park negates the need for a car if you want to spend most of your time in the city center. The affordable chic hotel boasts 243 rooms, plenty of which are going for $169,…

Flickr[St Stev] On a recent trip to Southeast Europe, we discovered something fascinating: The former Yugoslavia, to Serbians, was the perfect example of communism. But chat with some locals and chances are they’ll mention that it was really “Titoism,” named after President Josip Broz Tito, that propelled the country to be the socialist, independent nation that it had become. Even today, after Yugoslavia’s collapse, many are proud of their former leader and his lax communist approach. For your own glimpse of Yugo-nostalgia, here’s a communist tour of Belgrade…

One of the best places to eat delicious food in Vietnam is down alleys or deep into markets. While exploring all sorts of tasty foods in Saigon, one day I was walking down a side street, when I saw a sign for “Bột Chiên,” along with a makeshift permanent food cart, and I knew I... [Read More] Bot Chien – Fried Rice Flour Cakes at a Market in Saigon is a post from: Migrationology - Food Travel Blog The post Bot Chien – Fried Rice Flour Cakes at a Market in Saigon appeared first on Migrationology - Food Travel Blog.

When I was in Saigon, one of the many marvelous dishes I had a chance to eat was banh canh cua, Vietnamese thick noodles in crab gravy. I ate at a restaurant called Bánh Canh Cua Trần Khắc Chân, which didn't fail to impress. Banh Canh Cua – Ultimate Vietnamese Noodles for Slurping is a post from: Migrationology - Food Travel Blog The post Banh Canh Cua – Ultimate Vietnamese Noodles for Slurping appeared first on Migrationology - Food Travel Blog.

Are you ready to start eating insanely delicious Vietnamese food when you’re in Saigon? Before going to Saigon, I knew relatively little about Vietnamese food. So I decided to reach out to you, by posting a video on my YouTube channel, asking what and where I should eat during my trip to Saigon, Vietnam. I... [Read More] Vietnamese Food: 25 Must-Eat Dishes in Saigon (and Where To Try Them) is a post from: Migrationology - Food Travel Blog The post Vietnamese Food: 25 Must-Eat Dishes in Saigon (and Where To Try Them) appeared first on Migrationology - Food Travel Blog.

One of the greatest things about street food is that you can smell and see your meal before you eat it. Just like the mini pancakes in the market, ca kho to (cá kho tộ) is one of the many Vietnamese dishes you’ll smell way before you see it – a beautiful whiff will hit your nostrils... [Read More] Ca Kho To – Vietnamese Braised Catfish in Saigon is a post from: Migrationology - Food Travel Blog The post Ca Kho To – Vietnamese Braised Catfish in Saigon appeared first on Migrationology - Food Travel Blog.

Bangkok has been expanding and developing rapidly in the department of high-end international restaurants. One restaurant that recently opened, started by Chef Henk Savelberg, a renowned chef from the Netherlands, is Savelberg. Chef Henk Savelberg is a well known chef, having been awarded Michelin stars at not just one, but four different restaurants in the Netherlands.... [Read More] Savelberg – European Fine Dining in Bangkok is a post from: Migrationology - Food Travel Blog The post Savelberg – European Fine Dining in Bangkok appeared first on Migrationology - Food…

Photo Credit: hank_rhoads I’m sure you’re familiar with the English idiom “to beat one’s own drum”, and at first inspection I thought this Japanese idiom was the same thing. But while there’s some similarities, the results are much different. Taiko o motsu – 太鼓を持つ （たいこをもつ） Meaning – To hold someone’s drum This Japanese idioms means that you’re flattering someone by holding their drum while the make a bunch of noise. So you can see it has a lot of similarities to banging your own drum except you’re…

Photo Credit: JanneM Tokyo has been named the world’s safest city according to a 2015 Safe Cities Index by The Economist. Stuff.co.na website reports: The index, which looks at digital security, health security, infrastructure safety and personal safety, ranks the Japanese capital ahead of Singapore second and Osaka third. European capitals Stockholm and Amsterdam complete the world’s top five safest cities. Nice to see Osaka come in third place :D Related Posts:Cat Cafés in JapanTokyo Art Events in June 2012World’s Most Peaceful ContriesTravel Japan and Enjoy itLearning…

I would definitely watch more news and debate programming if they did it like this! :D Related Posts:Living in JapanHimeji Castle ConstructionLow Yen Makes it a Great Time to VisitJapanese Bridge Washes up in OregonGangnam Style Not Impressing the Japanese

Don’t know what to say about this one, other than the Japanese sure have a delightful and strange sense of humour :D Related Posts:The Days of HanakoEat Curry. Win Money.Kawaii FabricThe Japanese Ski Season – When, Where and Why?Japan Law to Force Workers to go on Holiday

I ripped open my package from the Isle of Harris. As I pushed my nose into the fabric, it smelled of lanolin and scratched my face. I had chosen it a month before because its color would forever remind me of the heather, sky, and rock that cover this Hebridean island. The fog was thick […]

The medieval stone city of Edinburgh boasts a staggering 700 pubs for its population of just under 500,000, the highest concentration of pubs in Great Britain. And the epicenter of Edinburgh’s beer sampling scene, as any local will tell you, is Rose Street, only a brisk 10-minute walk down the hill from the Royal Mile […]

There are many ways to reach the Royal Borough of Greenwich in southeast London. You can take the bus, or the underground, or the futuristic Docklands Light Railway. Or, in keeping with the strong naval heritage of the area, you can take a boat. Along with the profusion of tourist cruises on offer, commuter boats […]

You’ve done Paris, you’ve seen Rome but when’s the last time you’ve dug for vintage treasures in Budapest? Or shopped off-the-runway furs in Vienna? For true shopaholics looking to welcome 2015 with a (fashion) bang there’s no better place than Eastern Europe. With local Christmas markets popping up across the region, from big cities to […]

Once known as the ‘Paris of the North’, Thessaloniki (Salonika) definitely has a different ambience than Athens. Maybe it’s the city’s close proximity to the sea and the elegant Parisian-style buildings. Or perhaps it’s the vibrant ‘youthful’ feel because of the young people who stroll the plateias and crowd the sea-side tavernas. Thessalonki is, after […]

You've already seen my 3 main posts on Aero India- The Wingwalkers, Skycats and Sarang Helicopters. This post shares few other photos of the planes clicked during the show, effectively summing up my coverage of Aero India 2015.These planes went up in air and did some stunts, but they were not as breathtaking as the other 3, so I don't have enough photos and details to write a detailed post, so limiting the description to few lines for each of the planes.British Yakovlevs at Aero India 2015Notice that the three planes are fully identical...Bottom view of a fighter- SukhoiTejas Tejas LCA…

Selecting a best hotel in Bangalore or any strange city is a challenging task. While budget is one thing on everyone’s mind, other factors like quality of service, safety, proximity to our location of interest/work play an important role. To make your selection easier, here we’re listing some handpicked list of hotels in Bangalore’s different areas. SVENSKA DESIGN HOTEL, Electronic cityElectronic city is Bangalore’s software hub housing most of the IT giants. If your work is in electronic city, staying in a hotel in heart of the city will be a foolish decision, as…

For this week's Skywatch Friday, it is pictures of Sarang Helicopters in the sky from recently concluded Aero India 2015.With metal birds creating formations and leaving smoke trails, below are some clicks I could manage from the General visitor area.The Sarang Helicopters of the Indian Air Force. These beautifully painted (painted to resemble peacocks) do different stunts and maneuvers in the sky. Above: Sarangs crossing each other in opposite direction.It looks like they are flying close from a distance, but they are maintaining decent gap.More Skywatch pics at Skyley. Do not miss more…

As I had written earlier, you need not rob a bank to drive a Mercedes. Mercedes Benz has recently launched GLA Class and Self drive car rental company Zoomcar was quick to add few of them to their fleet. Few months after their induction, I tried my hand on this beast, most expensive car in Zoom's self drive fleet, last Sunday. Because of its high rental (Rs 6600 per day on weekend) I drove it only for 4 hours- minimum booking duration, some 30 kms, spending Rs 1100. Because of this short duration and because of 125 kmph speed limit enforced by Zoom, I couldn't explore the car to its full…

In today's Travel Quote of the Week, Diane Arbus proclaims her love of going places that she has never been - a sentiment I think we all share. The post Travel Quote of the Week: My Favorite Thing appeared first on Solo Traveler. A new article has been added to Solo Traveler

It's vast and diverse and friendly and much more than one would ever expect. Solo travel America and discover this amazing country for yourself. The post Solo Travel America: Thousands of Destinations in One Country appeared first on Solo Traveler. A new article has been added to Solo Traveler

Matera, Italy is rated highly by this Solo Travel Society member. She found it to be an ideal destination for a first visit to the country. The post Solo Travel Destination: Matera, Italy appeared first on Solo Traveler. A new article has been added to Solo Traveler

A cow gazes placidly at the Solo Travel Society member who captured this photo on Jeju Island, with Dragon Eye Mountain in the background. The post Pic of the Week: Jeju Island, South Korea appeared first on Solo Traveler. A new article has been added to Solo Traveler

Here you have it - my Whistler Blackcomb 32 tips post - another in our 32 tips series. I'll share more stories about Whistler Blackcomb soon. The post Solo At Whistler Blackcomb: 32 Tips You Need to Know appeared first on Solo Traveler. A new article has been added to Solo Traveler

Backpacking around the world HappytimeBlog | Surviving South America – Flights & Sightseeing South America Is made up of some of the most beautiful countries in the world. Unlike Europe, which is famous for its historical wealth, South America is rich in natural beauty and its charm is its rough and ready look. Don’t get me wrong, there are also many architectural wonders in some of South America’s most renowned capitals. However, the things to love about this part of the continent are the motorway shacks selling fruit and vegetables, the old-style transport, the run down…

Backpacking around the world HappytimeBlog | Romantic Vacation for Overworked Couples Vacation Sponsored by the Rendezvous Couples Resort in St. Lucia http://www.theromanticholiday.com/ Romantic Vacation for Overworked Couples was originally published by HappytimeBlog - Backpacking around the world - Online Sihanoukville Cambodia Guide

Backpacking around the world HappytimeBlog | America’s Top Winter Travel Destinations Photo from Flickr by Alex Szymanek If you live somewhere that gets cold during the winter, then you will likely have thought about fleeing to warmer climates for a winter vacation. You’re not alone. Although there is a certain appeal to vacationing at a ski lodge or winter camping by a secluded ice fishing lodge, by and large the most popular winter vacation spots in the America’s have ‘sun’ and ‘surf’ as part of their advertising. Let’s face it, people would…

Backpacking around the world HappytimeBlog | 4 Uses for Cannabis You’ve Never Heard of Before Photo from flickr by M. Martin Vicente Whatever you call it, and however you personally use it (or don’t use it), Cannabis comes in many forms. From the ongoing movement to legalize recreational use, to the more widely accepted medical uses of marijuana, there are lots of different uses for Cannabis. Here are four you’ve probably never heard of before: Cooking Oil CBD Oil is an edible oil that is meant to help ease symptoms associated with a range of disorders, including anxiety,…

Backpacking around the world HappytimeBlog | $25 Dining Voucher + Free Casino Shuttles at Niagara Falls Marriott Gateway Photo from Flickr by nikhil_hegde Book yourself a romantic break at the fabulous Niagara Falls Four Star Hotel, The Marriott Gateway On The Falls, and enjoy a free $25 dining voucher plus free casino shuttle transport during your stay. If you and your partner have always dreamt of discovering the dramatic sights of Niagara falls, now is the perfect time to book your getaway! The Marriott Gateway hotel are offering a brilliant package deal which includes $25 to spend at the…

Every journey we take, whether we’re walking up the road to post a letter or flying to the other side of the world, poses a certain level of risk. Some of the risks are easy to identify (getting run over, being involved in a plane crash or a terrorist incident), while others are impossible to predict, but exist nonetheless. Yet on any trip we take, we make judgements of the risks involved, whether or not we stop to think about the thought process beyond them. All too often, these judgements are based on very shaky reasoning. On our recent trip to Indonesia I rented out a motor scooter,…

This is one of the longest blog posts I’ve added on 501 Places, and other than a short introduction, I’ll leave the words to my parents. It’s a travel story in the loosest sense of the term, but one which I’m sure none of us would ever wish to undertake. My parents spent their early childhood years in what was then eastern Poland (now Belarus and Ukraine). The outbreak of war in 1939 saw the almost-immediate invasion of their homelands by the Soviet Union, and my dad’s father was soon arrested and never seen again. In the early hours of 10th February 1940, their…

Often I read travel articles and blogs which make an attempt at informed analysis about a place from which the writer has just returned. And it’s hardly surprising: most of us at some level attempt to make sense of what we see and experience, usually by framing it in the context of our knowledge of our home environments. In the course of a week we may come face to face with a few dozen people, more perhaps, depending on our plans, our comfort at opening up to others, and simple serendipity. How can we hope to form an informed opinion of a country in such a short time, with such…

Some cities make a real effort to put on their best face for visitors. And then there are places like Surabaya: gritty, crumbling, and staggeringly chaotic, you’d be hard pushed to find even a local person who would call it beautiful. Few visitors stop to take in its sights such as they are, although thanks to its proximity to Mount Bromo many pass quickly through its airport and train station. The most prominent tourist attraction (the only one, some would say) is the House of Sampoerna cigarette factory to the north of the city centre. Built on the site of a former orphanage by a Chinese…

Good intentions and all that… This time last year I wrote a post which, foolishly as it turns out, explained what I thought I’d do with this blog in 2014. “Posts on almost daily basis”, I promised. After an early flourish I’ve barely managed one a month. So what’s happened? For a start, I’ve had a busy year. Working on various projects has meant a lot less free time than in my first five years of freelancing. The opportunity and the inclination to write on my blog has suffered as a result. Secondly I’ve had a better time of late with pitching…

When visiting the Anatolian Region of Turkey, it's a requirement, in our opinion, to head to Cappadocia. Thanks to erosion and volcanic eruption (natural occurrences we aren't usually thanking), the city is filled with beautiful rock formations, dubbed "fairy chimneys" for their surreal appearance. They kind of look like honeycombs these days, as over the centuries, locals have carved into the soft rock to form houses and churches, creating underground systems in the process. Hot air balloon rides are particularly popular in the area, as they give travelers a chance to see the amazing…

The Notre Dame is great, but we really love the quieter Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais Church. Famous sights around the world are generally famous for a reason -- they are culturally significant, they represent important historic events, and, well, they're often visually stunning. So they find themselves on just about every visitor's "can't miss" list. But while we've completed our touristy duties and braved the crowds to take in the glory of the Notre Dame in Paris and Rome's Colosseum, we've also discovered some of these cities' hidden gems that dare we say, gasp, are even better than their…

Are you obsessed with tweeting, instagramming, hashtagging, and updating all of your Facebook friends on your every move? Well, beside being able to enjoy all the compliments a great selfie can garner, posting to social media can also score you some awesome bonuses when traveling, because hotels around the world are rewarding the social media savvy with perks like free night stays and free drinks -- provided you follow a few steps or win a hotel-sponsored contest. So get your apps ready and check out these four share-worthy promotions! Kimpton Hotels: #AdoreThySelfie Are you on the fence…

All images courtesy of OTG and Rockwell Group Airports are often pretty depressing places -- replete with delayed flights, missed connections, and bad food -- and Newark ranks quite low on the "cheery airport scale," a very scientific ratings system that we just made up. But good news lies ahead for those finding themselves at this New Jersey locale; over the next year, the airport's Terminal C is getting a foodie overhaul that will include dining options from renowned chefs such as Paul Liebrandt, Dan Kluger, Alain Ducasse, Amanda Cohen, and Mario Carbone. The first of these…

Chain hotels often get a bad rap. Admittedly, some of them, with uninspired beige decor, industrial carpeting, and airline-quality breakfasts, have earned it. But they're not all that way. Some chain hotels are building their brand as hip and stylish, with restaurants that attract foodies and rooms that look straight out of Dwell magazine. Here, we bring you eight chain hotels that may not be on your radar, but definitely should be. Let's get started. Buddha-Bar Hotels Buddha-Bar Restaurant at the Buddha-Bar Hotel Budapest Klotild Palace The Buddha-Bar brand does avant-garde luxury that…

We all know the big three St. Patrick's Day cities that grab all the attention each year for gala green celebrations and boisterous parades. Boston, Chicago and New York are hard to beat for their St. Paddy's Day enthusiasm and Celtic traditions. But with more folks claiming to have Irish heritage in the United States than in Ireland, there are lots of other cities that go all out to celebrate their Gaelic connections and hoist more than a few pints of green beer and Guinness. With that in mind, here's a look at some of the top places to celebrate St. Patrick's Day across the United States:…

Great Travels tips for Free Things To Do in Sydney! As Australia’s foremost global city, Sydney is considered one of the planet’s most green and connected cities. Sydney offers an excellent choice for numerous tourists, business leaders, and thousands of students each year. Blessed with a sunny climate along with stunning beaches, Sydney is one of the most vibrant and dazzling cities in the world. And the good news is that visiting doesn't require a plump purse to enjoy the sights and sounds of Sydney. Here are our best travel tips to explore Sydney and see the sites - for Free! The post…

Imagine never having to wait in long, long U.S. Custom lines again when returning to the United States from your international travels. Yes, you could apply for Global Entry, pay the fees, have an interview and wait to be approved, or there may be a much easier way. The new free Mobile Passport App streamlines the re-entry process and is a must-have app for US citizens who travel internationally. The post New Mobile Passport App Lets You Speed Through US Customs appeared first on Wicked Good Travel Tips.

Peru is best known for the ruins at Machu Picchu, but the Pacific Coast beaches should not be missed! Peru is best known for the ruins left behind by the Inca. But Peru’s earliest civilizations appeared on the coast, drawn by the plentiful fishing in the Pacific Ocean. In recent years, visitors have increasingly felt the ancient pull of Peru’s shores. Many of these beaches have pristine sand and outstanding surf waves. The post Come to Peru for Inca History, Stay For The Surfing Beaches appeared first on Wicked Good Travel Tips.

Shanghai sites to have the most fun during your 48 hour visit. Shanghai is a city that expertly mixes ancient culture with today’s extreme technology. You can visit historic areas that blend European styled architecture with Asian influences or get in touch with your Zen at temples that are over 1,000 years old. Since there are so many things to do, let's narrow down your choices by checking out our best-of list below. The post 48 Hours in Shanghai – Best Sites To Have The Most Fun appeared first on Wicked Good Travel Tips.

The finding occurs in the very seeking itself. (B. Phillips) — The journey is the destination. (Ramona) #quote The post The Last Word — Ramona’s Quote Of The Day For 3-02-2015 appeared first on RamonaCreel.com.

The secret of happiness is to admire without desiring. (F. Bradley) — That's also the secret to full-time RVing! (Ramona) #quote The post The Last Word — Ramona’s Quote Of The Day For 3-01-2015 appeared first on RamonaCreel.com.

Lead me not into temptation. I can find the way myself. (R. Brown) — In the dark, and even without street signs! (Ramona) #quote The post The Last Word — Ramona’s Quote Of The Day For 2-28-2015 appeared first on RamonaCreel.com.

Don't be a time manager, be a priority manager. (D. Waitley) — Or better yet, be an end-result manager! (Ramona) #quote The post The Last Word — Ramona’s Quote Of The Day For 2-27-2015 appeared first on RamonaCreel.com.

Learn to be still in the midst of activity, to be vibrantly alive in repose. (I. Gandhi) — To find balance in all things. (Ramona) #quote The post The Last Word — Ramona’s Quote Of The Day For 2-26-2015 appeared first on RamonaCreel.com.

The finding occurs in the very seeking itself. (B. Phillips) — The journey is the destination. (Ramona) #quote The post The Last Word — Ramona’s Quote Of The Day For 3-02-2015 appeared first on RamonaCreel.com.

The secret of happiness is to admire without desiring. (F. Bradley) — That's also the secret to full-time RVing! (Ramona) #quote The post The Last Word — Ramona’s Quote Of The Day For 3-01-2015 appeared first on RamonaCreel.com.

Lead me not into temptation. I can find the way myself. (R. Brown) — In the dark, and even without street signs! (Ramona) #quote The post The Last Word — Ramona’s Quote Of The Day For 2-28-2015 appeared first on RamonaCreel.com.

Don't be a time manager, be a priority manager. (D. Waitley) — Or better yet, be an end-result manager! (Ramona) #quote The post The Last Word — Ramona’s Quote Of The Day For 2-27-2015 appeared first on RamonaCreel.com.

Learn to be still in the midst of activity, to be vibrantly alive in repose. (I. Gandhi) — To find balance in all things. (Ramona) #quote The post The Last Word — Ramona’s Quote Of The Day For 2-26-2015 appeared first on RamonaCreel.com.

We’re in the heart of winter now. The Super Bowl is done. Snow accumulation is now measured in feet not inches and wind chills are well below zero here in Plymouth, Mass. So what better way to warm up, than with a Pin-Up Live! about cruising the South Pacific. After getting hit with two snowstorms in less than a week, we can’t wait to talk about something other than blizzards, white outs, and travel bans. The South Pacific has been on our must-see list for a long time, so it’s a real pleasure to welcome Paul Gauguin Cruises as our special guest host this week, along with…

We’re having quite a week here in New England! A massive storm graced us with more than two feet of snow; the Patriots are in the Super Bowl; and Beth and I are in Provincetown for a couple of days in a self imposed writers retreat. With so much going on this week, we wanted to make sure to remind you guys about the incredible contests Carnival is currently running, because the prizes are terrific and it would make our year if one of you won. The Prizes: A Free Cruise Every Year For The Rest Of Your Life 100 Days of Free Cruising An Ocean View Cabin On a 3, 4, 7 or 10 Day Cruise Pretty…

We do our best to streamline our packing. Beth and I have always been in the camp that the less baggage you have the better. But between her photo equipment–which is actually pretty minimal—our electronics, bathroom stuff, and clothes, we still always seem to be lugging at least three pieces of luggage—a suitcase, a backpack for our gear, and a camera bag—on our trips. That’s about as minimal as we can go. Since we don’t have a lot of extra space, non-necessary blogging items are weighed heavily before a trip, and often don’t make the cut. Sadly, binoculars are usually on…

Earlier this month, Beth and I celebrated our ninth anniversary since we first met in San Diego. It’s hard to believe that it has been nearly decade, and even crazier to think that for the last four years, we’ve worked side by side–often right across from one another–and haven’t killed each other yet. The truth is we love what we do, and I couldn’t imagine doing it without her. One of the ways we pass time during the workday, especially when she’s sewing and I’m packing our Speakeasy Travel Scarfs, is to talk travel (big surprise there,…

Most of you know we partnered up with Carnival Cruise Line in late 2014 and took a really fun cruise through the Western Caribbean. We had an awesome time on our trip and one of our favorite parts was just the feeling of being away from it all. With limited access to wifi and the constant company of the waves you get plenty of time to just be in the moment and relax. Something that is drastically lacking in most of our every day lives. So when Carnival asked if we wanted to share some of their current contests with our readers and told us what the prizes were we couldn’t wait, because the…

Is it worth flying Première class with Jet Airways to India if you get the chance? Of course that’s a silly question. Who wouldn’t want to be pampered with individual service, plenty of legroom, restaurant quality food and a glass of champagne? But if we assume that your flight is not being paid for by the company and you’re deliberating on whether to treat yourself to Première Class to start the holiday in style, then it’s worth looking at what you’ll get for the extra cost. On my recent trip to India flying with Jet Airways I flew economy class on the way…

Ibiza attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors over the summer months, flocking to the island to enjoy the glorious weather and party scene. However, the island also has much to offer during the quieter, off season times. With mild temperatures and a peaceful, down tempo pace, discover a different side to Ibiza this spring. Explore to coastline of Ibiza Ibiza has a rugged and fascinating coastline, which lends itself perfectly to hiking and walking. There are many companies who offer guided walks around the island during the winter months, when the climate is perfect for long, adventurous…

A collection of 500 year old thatched cottages, set around a cobbled farmyard, Red Doors Farm in Devon has all the chocolate box charm that you’d wish for in a holiday cottage. However, we’ve learned from past experience that a centuries-old thatched cottage, picturesque though it may be, does not always mean warmth and comfort. Thank goodness the owners Gill and Adrian seem to have that cracked, with Byre Cottage where we stayed being kept at a cosy constant temperature by the biomass wood-pellet fired boiler. Our stay was arranged through Premier Cottages who specialise in…

Calling all chocoholics as our guest author Magdalena Fielden tells us about the Grenada Chocolate Festival that she founded, for a taste of the chocolate created on this Caribbean island with chocolate food and cocktails, visits to the chocolate factory and even chocolate yoga and fashion. All happening in May 2015. Grenada has a unique chocolate story to tell which I knew could be turned into an interesting and delicious experience. The more I thought about it the more I realised that we had never really worked collectively to promote Grenada’s cocoa history, traditions and the fantastic…

Repeatedly named as one of the most livable countries on the planet, Canada has much to attract visitors year after year. Whether your idea of the perfect holiday involves mountains and glaciers, cosmopolitan cities, wildlife experiences, quaint towns, secluded lakes and forests, iconic natural beauty, stunning views or historic landmarks, Canada has something for everyone. If you’re looking for the next destination to visit, read on for some of the many reasons why Canada should be at the top of your travel bucket list. The Northern Lights One of the most amazing phenomena in the world to…

Do you love Disney? Whether you’re already an avid fan of the famed mouse or not, Disney sets itself apart from the pack when it comes to their cruise line. How? It’s all in the details: everywhere you turn on a Disney ship, and everyone you interact with, has that special ‘Disney Difference’. Service, amenities, and ports-of-call all come with that undeniable layer of ‘pixie dust’ when you cruise with Disney. Not convinced a Disney cruise is worth the extra expense? Start with our review of Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Fantasy, then read on for…

Once you’ve picked a cruise line and booked your cruise, you’ll want to consider shore excursions. Shore excursions are a big part of the cruise experience; your family is traveling some distance on the cruise ship, and you’ll want to get off and see the sights! From zip lining through jungles, to snorkeling with tropical fish, flying in a helicopter over glaciers, hiking, and exploring quaint cities via a guided tour, shore excursions are both diverse and pivotal to truly experiencing a port. Hopefully, planning a shore excursion for your family will be a breeze…

San Antonio is rapidly becoming a favorite vacation destination for families. It’s a city filled with unique culture, fabulous food, and plenty of great activities that are sure to entertain kids and parents alike. From its lively downtown area to a park dedicated to making sure people of all abilities can have fun, San Antonio truly has something for everyone. Here are Trekaroo’s top picks for things to do in San Antonio with kids. 10. Stroll along the River Walk A wide variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions line the scenic pathways that flank the river as it meanders…

If you are dreaming of sunshine and beaches then look no further than Fort Lauderdale, also known as the Venice of the Americas for its extensive and beautiful system of waterways. Along with 23 miles of beaches, and over half a million acres of Everglades to the west, Fort Lauderdale offers a relaxed city with culture, adventure, and natural beauty to enjoy. Slightly off the beaten path and sometimes overlooked for its swanky sister city, Miami, it is the perfect place to visit with kids for an ideal Florida vacation. Here are the top 10 things for families to do in Fort Lauderdale on…

Sin City isn’t kid-friendly to say the least. In spite of the fact that porn slappers are offering out naked lady pictures on most corners, the public drunkenness, the party-going crowd, and the smoky casinos, I have taken my kids to Vegas more times than I can count. For all its adult-entertainment wonderland, Vegas also happens to be a place where numerous conferences, events, reunions, and weddings take place, so like it or not, we return to Las Vegas with kids in tow. And although you likely can’t get through Las Vegas without some scarring, here are tips for managing the most…

I don’t know how your weekend was but it was a bit crazy around here. It really started Thursday evening when I attended my first barre3 class. Friday, Jordan and I spent some time at the Magic Kingdom before going to look at a truck he wanted to buy. Saturday was Volunteer U at church. Sunday was church and then the guys were going back to Kissimmee to probably buy the truck we had looked at on Friday but when Jordan texted the guy to confirm the plans they had made on Friday, he was informed that the truck had already sold In the midst of all of that my best friend’s mom had a heart…

Epcot opened October 1, 1982. My first visit to what was then called Epcot Center was in the summer of 1983 when relatives came down from Massachusetts on vacation. Epcot is the Disney park that has morphed and changed the most over the years. Long gone are Horizons, World of Motion, Kitchen Kabaret and the Communicores. Funny how this park makes the most nostalgic, I understand the need for progress and change, especially in Epcot-I just missed the old days. Epcot is also home to the two largest festivals at Walt Disney World.In the spring we have the International Flower and Garden Festival…

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”How is it the last day of February already? Wow, well it is time to evaluate my February goals and set goals for March. Review…

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” Two weeks ago I received an email inviting me to a media preview of the new barre3 studio coming to Lakewood Ranch. Part of me was excited and part of me was scared.

Growing up I hated eggs and sausage. Still, unless they are in a casserole, I only like my eggs over easy and don’t you dare break the yolk! I also like scrambled sausage but not links and I have yet to try patties. I know, I have A LOT of food issues. Since being introduced to breakfast casseroles a few years ago, I have fallen in love with them. I’ve already shared my Overnight Breakfast Casserole and my Holiday Breakfast Casserole with you so today we are doing something a little bit different, a Breakfast Bake with Hash Brown Crust. This recipe is inspired by some I found on Pinterest…

I’ve been in Barcelona almost 2 months now, and despite the larger police presence in tourist areas of the city (which I’m pleased to say does seem to be making a difference), Barcelona is still a destination where pick-pocketing and bag snatching is rife! I’ve yet to come across a reliable source of stats, but I genuinely wouldn’t be surprised if this was the pick-pocket capital of the world given how many people I’ve come across who’ve had stuff stolen! With that in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to give you my top tips on avoiding theft in…

In case you missed a previous post on the matter, I have recently moved to Barcelona. Now, whilst I’m still very much in the ‘settling in’ phase, I’ve already learned a lot about how to get set up here (both through my own trial and error and from talking to other recent expats.) In turn, I thought it would be useful to pass on what I’ve learned so far. That way if you’re thinking about moving to Barcelona too then you’ll have an easier time when you arrive! 1. Getting your NIE number First off, there’s a common misconception that…

I’ve been based in Barcelona for 2 weeks now, and whether or not I can stay here permanently will depend a lot on how fast I can build up my freelance portfolio and/or whether a good job opportunity comes up, but already there are some things I really love about living here. 1. The Sunsets The sunsets in Barcelona are exceptional! They make photos captured on my phone (e.g. those pictured above) look a lot better than my limited photography skills would usually allow! Genuinely one of the most enjoyable parts of being here has simply been positioning myself in different parts of…

I recently stayed at FeetUp Garden House Hostel in Barcelona for 3 nights. These were my thoughts of the hostel: Rooms I stayed in a private twin room at FeetUp Garden House. Whilst I would say the best part of this hostel is outside of the rooms (e.g. the garden, terrace and common rooms) my room was more than adequate. It was spotlessly clean, the bed was reasonably comfy and I even had my own wee balcony to sit out on. Location The location of FeetUp Garden House is a bit far out of the city, however it’s only a 5 minute walk to the nearest metro station, so it was still easy…

I spent my first 3 nights in Barcelona staying at Casa Gracia, one of the new breed of luxury hostels in the city. These were my thoughts: Rooms Casa Gracia really caters to all markets when it comes to the choice of rooms. For example, you can stay in a private double room with an en-suite like I did (pictured above), stay in a mixed dorm or even rent an entire apartment within the building! Whether you’re a group, couple or solo traveller, there’s an option here for you. In terms of my room personally, I was really impressed. It’s certainly above your average hostel…

The best things to do in Nicaragua-tourist attractions. This is a guest post from friend and fellow travel blogger Maria Alexandra from LatinAbroad.com. Nicaragua vs. Costa Rica — this was my dilemma when planning a Central American adventure trip. Naturally, Costa Rica popped up everywhere as the adventure and ecotourism hotspot of the region. Upon further research though, I discovered that Nicaragua is too often overshadowed by its more developed neighbor — and unjustifiably so. In fact, I found that the many things to do in Nicaragua are comparable to those in the CR: and can…

This House Hunters International Episode features the new penthouse we purchased in the city of eternal spring, Medellin, Colombia. I bought this property for all of our traders that we teach at our sister site http://thedaytradingacademy.com. The vision now has changed since I first started traveling around the world. The goal initially was to visit every country in the world in addition to every continent. Because I get so much pleasure out of seeing other people live their dreams I decided it would be more fun to travel with an army of day traders. I was able to visit all 7 continents.

Day Traders In Brazil The first time I experienced Brazil was during the Carnival in Salvador. It is one of those countries that remain in your heart forever. The beautiful people. The vastness of the country. And the endless corruption and bureaucracy. Sorry I meant charm. Many people think that Brazil is just big butts, bikinis, and an endless beach that wraps around the whole country. They also have oil. It is one of the those countries that you will never forget; the parties are different, the people are unlike any you will meet, and due to the gigantic size of the country you can find…

Jodi is one of the first travel bloggers that I met when I first began my journey around the world. She also is one of my favorite travel bloggers. Not because bird poop loves her. No.. no… it’s because she is awesome. One of the most genuine people I have met. What could be better than traveling around the world and learning the local cuisine? Getting paid to do it. This week Jodi Ettenberg of LegalNomads joins me on the podcast to talk about her experiences traveling the world and how she’s turned her passion for food into a career. Jodi was a lawyer in New York City…

Food. The lifeblood of almost all cultures. And for Mark Wiens, it’s THE reason you should travel. When Mark first started blogging, he did so to make a remembrance for himself about what he ate on his trip through Asia. After all, that was why he went. Now 7 years later Mark is dominating on YouTube with his food videos showing traditional street fare from southeast Asia and the world. Today we talk about how he went from just a blogger and how 2 cents really showed him what was possible, to making videos, and what it really takes to become a success on YouTube . Mark also speaks a lot…

Saint James on the middle pier (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Catedral de Santiago de Compostela (Photo credit: Wikipedia) The Way of St. James (el Camino de Santiago), is the pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela where legend has it that the remains of the apostle, Saint James the Great. The route was declared the first European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in October 1987; it was also named one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 1993. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) English: Wayside cross in Laraño, Santiago de Compostela Galego: Cruceiro en Laraño, Santiago de…

Dessert at Alinea. This dessert, called Chocolate Finale is ‘plated’ directly on the table by one of the Alinea chefs, illustrating the movement’s interest in subverting dining expectations. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Cuisine 3 etoiles de Jacques Lameloise (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Here are some Michelin-Starred Restaurants for Chicago that offer outstanding menus for Valentine’s Day. Note that restaurants new to the list in 2014 are marked with an asterisk after their names. In 2014, Chicago had 25 Michelin-starred restaurants, up from 19 last year. Chicago was…

Image by benchilada via Flickr Oysters and Oatmeal dish from Schwa in Chicago (Photo credit: Wikipedia) English: Chicago River is the south border of the Near North Side and Streeterville and the north border of Chicago Loop, Lakeshore East and Illinois Center (viewed from Lake Shore Drive with Trump International Hotel and Tower at jog in the river in the center. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Joe’s Stone Crab (Photo credit: Wikipedia) English: Location of Schwa (restaurant) in Chicago in detail south of North Avenue (Chicago), north of Division Street (Chicago), east of Milwaukee Avenue…

Beach Bunny in South Beach English: Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami, Florida 2009 (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Ocean Drive on South Beach at night featuring The Beacon Hotel, The Colony Hotel (Photo credit: Wikipedia) There’s a little square-mile stretch of Beach-Bunny paradise in the southern part of Miami Beach called “South Beach.” South Beach is east of Downtown Miami, across Biscayne Bay. English: A photograph taken of Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) This area has an incredible annual South Beach Food and Wine Festival the last weekend of…

Acorn (Photo by Manuel QC on Flickr) “Outside the DMV I see these Mediterranean oaks or holly oaks just dumping acorns,” Joel Robinson tells me. “Dried perfectly. So, I’m in the parking lot stuffing my pockets full.” Robinson is the director and head naturalist of Naturalist For You, based in Southern California, and he’s no stranger to acorn collecting. “It’s one of the most nutritious foods” he continues. “As they lose moisture, the nut shrinks, detaches from its shell, and kills weevils. You can shell it with a…

The Illinois Obscura Society of Atlas Obscura was created in partnership with Enjoy Illinois. Sign up to find out more about the back room tours, unusual adventures, and incredible parties that Atlas Obscura will be putting on in Chicago and greater Illinois. Last Friday the 13th, the Illinois Obscura Society hosted an event for 450 curious onlookers at the legendary Salvage One event space. Guests were treated to acts of contortion, mind reading, high-altitude juggling, spooky stories, and a brass band to bring it all together. In conjunction…

Inside the Park Inn Hotel (photograph by Dan Hatton on Flickr) Frank Lloyd Wright's buildings are prized, celebrated, and priceless works of architecture. While some Wright houses and buildings can be visited and toured, there are a few scattered across the United States that can also be rented. In these "Rent-A-Wrights" one can enjoy his design principles while cooking dinner, watching TV, doing laundry, or even drinking beer in a backyard created by one of the most gifted architects of the 20th century. The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy lists 14 Wright…

Free Spirit Spheres (Photo by Kyle Greenberg on Flickr) Over the years, a lot of children - and those young at heart - have tried their hand at making a treehouse, usually by dragging some scrap wood to a tree in the yard and balancing it precariously between some branches. Perhaps they had some basic design knowledge to let them make it a little sturdier. But we've found some treehouse makers worldwide who've taken the art to a whole new level. FREE SPIRIT SPHERES,Qualicum Beach, Canada Free Spirit Spheres (Photo by flossieteacake on Flickr) Tucked away…

Tucked away in an apartment building in the city of Burlington, Vermont is an extraordinary wall painting known as the Lost Shul Mural. The mural, which adorns the apse of a former synagogue--“shul” means synagogue--was hidden behind a wall for 25 years. It is the only known remaining example of pre-Holocaust Jewish synagogue folk art in the United States, and one of the best-preserved surviving examples in the world. The Lost Shul Mural today (Photo by Amanda Levinson). The story of the mural begins in 1889, when a group of Jewish Lithuanian immigrants built a wooden synagogue in…

The Crowley family owned the Decatur, Georgia plot that is now home to the Memorial Drive Walmart for over a century. But as modernity and low, low prices ate away at their land, they never gave up on the family plot now inhabiting a strange mausoleum in the back of the parking lot, still holding the bodies in their original spots, now 12-feet off the ground. In the 1820s James M. Crowley bought up 500 acres in what is now Decatur, Georgia to create a familial estate. Passing away only a few years after settling the land, his holdings began being passed down family lines. James…

Now a popular destination for tourists and fans of lighting design alike, China's Reed Flute Cave has evidence that the cave was a revered hideaway at least over a thousand years ago even though it was only rediscovered in the 1940s and it is now creatively lit to create a multi-colored subterranean wonderland. The now popular cave is named after the copious amounts of reeds that grow at the entrance to the site which are often collected to makes flutes and other small wind instruments, however it was not this harvest that led to the discovery of the cave. It was actually…

While the Branch Davidian religion is still around, it is now known only as, "The Branch" after one of their leaders, David Koresh famously staged a 51-day standoff with the FBI that resulted in a tragic siege, wiping their entire compound off the face of Texas. All that remains of the original compound is a concrete pool in the ground. Koresh's infamous stand-off with local police and FBI began in February of 1993 when a team from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms attempted to enter the compound on suspicion that the Davidians were stockpiling weapons. Their fears were…

Sitting just inside the tall mouth of an Italian mountain cave, the Temple of Valadier cuts a striking neo-classical silhouette against the rough hewn edges of the surrounding natural cave walls, looking like the temple itself was trying to seek refuge in the cave. In reality it was the local population that has been taking refuge in the caves for hundreds of years. Since at least the 10th century the local population has been taking shelter in the large cave in which the temple now sits, usually hiding out from attacks from marauding enemy tribes. Remains of these earlier uses of the cave…

Ringing the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum in Denmark like a technicolor halo is artist Olafur Eliasson's permanent work the Your Rainbow Panorama, which allows guests to walk around and see the surrounding city through every color of the rainbow. From the orange-yellow ports to the purple houses next door, the city as viewed through the shaded glass walls of the circular walkway is transformed into a new form of monochrome every few feet. The light coming in through the glass paints visitors in an equally strong light making each person strolling through the 150-foot ring into a…

One fine warm wintry Sunday, decided to go to Dilli Haat to hunt for a copper finger ring for my son. Did not get the ring, but yes, the new theme was pretty fresh.The Ministry of Women and Child Development had organised an exhibition on the Women of India in Dilli Haat. Women artisans and entrepreneurs from across India had their various products displayed.As usual there were your usual press photographers, and of course many other photographers armed with their DSLR cameras and fancy lenses and tripods, shooting anything and everything that moved or did not move. :-)This…

So we had an eventful 2-3 weeks..Nokia bought out by Microsoft, KitKat and Google android and now the IOS 7 launch ...iPhone 5??!! whatever#pastries #desserts etcsuddenly remembered an old photograph I had taken.. #google have a look for inspirationFor some more entertainment have a look at theseAndroid KitKat 4.4

If one would have told the two CEOs of Art on Ice, at its beginning, that their ice skating gala would become the most successful show in Switzerland, they would have never believed it. The preparations for the first show in 1996 were not easy for the former figure skater, Oliver Höner, and his friend […] The post Art On Ice 20th Jubilee appeared first on Vivamost!.

The Bellamy Brothers do not need anymore introduction after more than 50 albums in 40 years of musical career. The legendary American duo, made of Howard and David, has been rocking crowds all over the world with their beautiful country and pop songs. The cowboys brothers, originally from Darby in Florida, got famous with their 1976 hit “Let […] The post The Bellamy Brothers & Gölä enchant the Volkshaus in Zurich appeared first on Vivamost!.

The Competition of the 65th Berlin International Film Festival is now complete. 19 of the 23 films in the Competition programme will be vying for the Golden and Silver Bears. 21 films are world premieres. The following countries are participating in the entire programme: Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, […] The post Berlinale 2015: Competition Complete appeared first on Vivamost!.

The most memorable show of the year in Switzerland: If there is one show not to miss in the winter, it is Art On Ice. Since 1994 the ice gala has made the happiness of thousands of people. The event takes place in the Zurich Hallenstadion before heading to Lausanne and Davos. The organizers, Reto Caviezel […] The post Art On Ice celebrates its 20th birthday appeared first on Vivamost!.

FATIH AKIN – THE CUT We met with the film director, Fatih Akin, to know more about his last film, The Cut. With no pretention he talks freely and with passion about his movie, an historical drama about the Armenian genocide. He explains why he liked working with the screenwriter Martin Mardik and the actor Tahar Rahim. […] The post Interview with film director Fatih Akin appeared first on Vivamost!.

Dubai has evolved into one of the world’s premiere playgrounds over the last decade and whether you enjoy golf, shopping or simply relaxing with some of the most breathtaking views of the city, The Address Hotels + Resorts have the perfect locations for your next getaway. Herein; learn about four of the different ways you can explore this world […]

With wedding season fast approaching, locating a beautiful backdrop for the big day is as crucial as sourcing the dream dress. From the California coastline to the French countryside, these 10 scenic settings promise the most memorable nuptials. California: Bacara Resort & Spa For a seaside ceremony with sweeping ocean views, look no further than […]

Some say, in the city it doesn’t matter where you stay, you’ll be out all day anyway. But that’s simply not true, especially with these 10 hotels herein that offer serene rooms, unique experiences, unrivaled locations or all of the above to make that next city break that much better. Montreal: Loews Hotel Vogue Montreal […]

As the chill in the air subsides and buds begin to unfurl, scores slough off their homebody ways and seek spring escapes. Offering quaint countryside and culturally-rich cities, and wine, so much wine, Europe is the holy grail of charming getaways. Herein, six to consider, from Portugal to Poland.

As the largest Caribbean island, Cuba boasts not only breathtaking beaches, but a fascinating history. With the U.S. recently lifting restrictions that have been in place since the 1960s, American citizens no longer need a special travel permit, making the island easier to explore than ever before.

American Airlines has released details and pictures of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner which will begin international services from 2 June 2014. The aircraft features Business Class and Main Cabin (Economy) Class, as well Main Cabin Extra American Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner will initially put on the domestic Dallas Fort worth DFW to Chicago route from 7 […]

Vietnam Airlines has released photos of its soon to be delivered Airbus A350 XWB on the same day in which the airline also released photos and a seat map of their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, photos here (opens in new window): Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Cabin and Photos From the photos it looks like this […]

Vietnam Airlines has released photographs of its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner which it will take delivery of from the middle of 2015, as well as a seat map Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Seat Map VNA first Dreamliner will begin life on the on the Hanoi (HAN) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) route from 1 June […]

Vietnam Airlines has released a seat map of its upcoming Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner that it will take deliveries of from mid-2015, click above picture to open a larger version of this image. Also check out the photo of each cabin (link opens in new window so you can continue reading) Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 […]

Qantas today announced the introduction or Bid Now Upgrades an invitation only Business Class Upgrade bidding system that will begin operation from this week. Bid Now Upgrades will allow Economy and Premium Economy passengers booked on both domestic and international Qantas services to upgrade to business if they receive the Bid Now Upgrade invitation email. […]

Editor’s note: Architecture student Tadeas shares with us his pick of 5 still-standing examples of Nazi architecture in Berlin. At the end of the post you’ll find a map with the locations marked, for you to explore on your own. Few cities in the world are as charged with historic meaning as Berlin. The violent forces of the 20th century did more to take away from the city, but they also contributed to the evolving structure of this metropolis. Beginning in 1933, Adolf Hitler and Albert Speer dreamt of a metropolis worthy of the new German empire. Their plan was so grand and…

Can you think of a better food combination than proximity to the sea, nearby local farms and an Italian influence? For a very different Croatian dining experience, be sure to enjoy some mealtimes in Rovinj. Located on the Istrian peninsula, this Slow Food fishing village is known for its fresh fish, olive oils and truffles. Its historic connection to Italy (it was part of the Venetian Empire) gives the region a much different vibe from the rest of the country – good food, and talking about it, are of primary importance. Rovinj’s food obsession though is supported by its waterfront…

Croatia’s religious landscape is overwhelmingly dominated by Roman Catholicism but the territory of Croatia has long been home to adherents of Judaism. While the Jewish population of Croatia was much smaller, at just 25,000, than countries like Germany with half a million or Czechoslovakia with around 350,000, Jewish communities had been established in various places around the country, in some cases for many centuries, starting as early as the 14th century. The Jewish experience in Croatia over the ages Since the 14th century Jews have been tolerated, expelled then tolerated again by…

Did you decide to visit JayWay’s newest destination in 2015? To help plan your days, we’ve rounded up the country’s best festivals and events. Don’t miss any opportunity to dive into this fascinating culture! Bucharest May 8-23: EUROPAfest: One of the country’s largest international music festivals attracts global jazz, blues, pop and classical acts. May 13-17: Art Safari: The Bucharest art fair is an international art market combining pieces for sale from galleries as well as exhibitions from museums and cultural institutions. May 16-25: Romanian Design Week: Get a glimpse into the…

Vienna’s historic, old town section is nicely surrounded by the Ringstrasse. Walking around this circular road brings you past some of the city’s top sites including the Rathaus (Town Hall), the Parliament Building and the State Opera. Most of the architecture dates to the 1860s-1890s, a robust building period in Vienna’s history. Interspersed with parks, the Ringstrasse walk could fill up a day for casual strollers. In 2015 however, visitors to Vienna will want to spend a little extra time on the road. The ring was officially opened on May 1, 1865 by Emperor Franz Joseph and the city…

From leaping dogs, to wide-eyed cats and squirming eels, the National Gallery is packed with paintings of animals. Our new walk, Family Menagerie: Animals in Art takes children on an adventure through this treasure trove of furry friends and curious creatures to discover the enduring importance of animals to the lives of hunters, merchants, monarchs and children. We asked four of our top docents to tell us about their favorite animal paintings in the collection and what these works mean to them. Pisanello, The Vision of Saint Eustace Antonio Pisanello, The Vision of St. Eustachius,…

In 711 AD, the Moors—the Muslim inhabitants of the Maghreb—entered Spain and within just a few years had conquered the Iberian peninsula, calling the territory Al-Andalus. Al-Andalus, at its most powerful, consisted of the modern-day Spanish regions of Galicia, Castile, León, Aragon, county of Barcelona, and of course Andalucía, though the Moors were also present in Portugal and even parts of France. Eventually the Christians reconquered the peninsula, but they were fascinated by Moorish culture and style of architecture. They occupied abandoned mosques and Moorish structures,…

At first glance, the widespread metropolis of Buenos Aires might come across as an impossible feat to tackle. However, with its mainly grid layout of avenidas and calles and with many of the main historic sites a short walking distance apart, the fret of this geographical challenge lessens. Nevertheless, you’ll find many of the city’s best museums and fascinating neighborhoods such as Palermo and La Boca located outside the city’s core, therefore, you will surely need to use another mode of transportation other than walking during your stay. With this in mind, we’ve pulled together…

This article was written by Context Paris intern Victoria Fitoussi Paris has an array of history of offer above ground, but you may be surprised to know how much you can learn underground in the Paris metro. A trip to Paris for any tourist is incomplete without at least one ride through the 115-year-old metro system. Not only is it the easiest and most historically interesting form of transportation in Paris, but according to Franz Kafka, “The Metro furnishes the best opportunity for the foreigner to imagine that he has understood, quickly and correctly, the essence of Paris.” We’re…

Everything is planned for your upcoming trip to Venice: accommodation, walks, dinners, transportation. Yet, if you arrive via cruise, as do more than 1 million people yearly, you might be wondering: how will I reach the city center? To help, we’ve put together a guide of practical information to navigate you from the port’s passengers terminals to Venice proper. Due to the high volume of sea passengers that travel to the lagoon every year and to better manage traffic, Venice has spread its receptive facilities to four locations, making it important to understand where your ship will…

Carnival Vista We haven’t published an issue of the BIG times in quite a while, but there is a BIG news highlight we want to share! Carnival Cruise Line, the world’s largest cruise line, announced the details of what will be its largest ship, the Carnival Vista, arriving later this year. I attended the press conference two weeks ago in New York City, and was treated to a preview of some of the special—and truly unique—features this ship will offer. Among the BIG thrills you can expect on board: WaterWorks Carnival’s largest water park will include the line’s first Kaleid-O-Slide…

World’s tallest Holiday Inn, New York City Last week, I was in New York City for the New York Times Travel Show. It’s an annual ritual; I go to get travel inspiration, network, and learn what I can in the trend seminars. This year, I stayed overnight, in the world’s tallest Holiday Inn hotel! It’s downtown, in the financial district, and really close to the “1” subway line. This property is really new—it just opened in October 2014—and was built from the ground up where a parking garage used to stand. It’s more than 453 feet tall, with 50 floors – and my room was on…

Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May.” “The Sweetest Thing” by U2. What do these tunes have in common? They were all “B” side hits. For those of you who remember records (those vinyl discs that music was stored on back when dinosaurs roamed the earth), you’ll recall that the popular songs were on the “A” side, and the secondary tracks were relegated to the “B” side. We’ve had some “B” sides in our travels, too, so I’m giving them their due in today’s post. In our (okay, my) overzealous quest to seek out BIG attractions, we…

Binoculars and Camera It’s one of the world’s largest waterfalls, though technically Niagara Falls is a set of three: Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side, and American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side. To make the most of your visit, there are several ways to view Niagara Falls – you can ride a boat to their base, peer down at them from a tower 700+ feet overhead, or even take a peek from a tunnel behind them. We took the kids to Niagara Falls, Ontario, and seeing them from different vantage points was important. The Teen has become a budding photographer, so great views…

Sure, you go to Niagara Falls to watch 225,000 cubic feet of water per second plummet nearly 200 feet into the gorge below. After taking in the scene for 15 minutes…then what? With kids in tow, you need a plan. Luckily, there is plenty to do in Niagara Falls, especially on the Canada side. One of our favorite attractions was Bird Kingdom, home to the world’s largest indoor free-flight aviary. You can easily spend an hour or more here, going through the three floors of exhibit space – themed as the “lost kingdom” home to hundreds of both bird and animal species. You set your own pace…

Can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to write a book about Varanasi? For me, travelling and writing go hand in hand as a means to explore and work through certain things which interest me. It’s a great privilege really to be able to spend a lot of time doing this and, in that sense, the books I’ve done have been snapshots of my mind during a certain period of my life. In the case of Kaleidoscope City: A Year in Varanasi. I’d been in India several years, visiting Varanasi regularly, before it occurred to me to try and write a book about it. On almost every initial…

In the 1960’s, a group of intrepid travellers coined the term the ‘hippie trail’ for the classic overland route from Istanbul to India, crossing Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Lured by tales of the impossibly empty white beaches of Goa, a cheap cost of living, and the promise of an amazing adventure this route became a rite of passage for those coming of age in the counterculture. Brilliantly explored by travel writer Rory Mclean in his book Magic Bus: On the Hippie Trail from Istanbul to India, this route was often undertaken in that most seminal hippy vehicle:…

Here’s our annual list of some of the best books published by Indian writers in 2014, all of which made it onto the Notable Books of 2014 selected by the editors of The New York Times Book Review. (1) Family Life by Akhil Sharma. Praise for this book has been widespread with critics reaching for their dictionaries in the hope of uncovering a superlative which hasn’t been used yet. This deeply moving portrait of a family tragedy is full of humour, sophistication, insight and empathy, rightly placing Sharma in the premiere league of contemporary novelists. Certainly the most…

As with Gotham, which got the hero it deserved in the form of Batman, India has a new comic book superheroine Priya Shakti. Created in the wake of the brutal gang rape on a Delhi bus two years ago, the heroine Priya is a mortal woman who is raped herself, but who fights back against sexual violence with the help of the goddess Parvati – and and most iconic of Indian animals, the tiger. Illustrated by Brooklyn-based artist Dan Goldman, the “augmented reality” comic tells the story of Priya, a young girl devoted to the goddess Parvati, who dreams of becoming a teacher.

This month’s Mahout newsletter alerted us to the newly revamped Sher Bagh Luxury Tented Camp in Rajasthan. Beginning their 15th year of operations this October, Sher Bagh has pitched an unprecedented benchmark for style, luxury and comfort on safari with a vigorous renovation of their first ‘Relais & Châteaux’ camp. As well as refurbishing the camp’s luxury tents by creating even more space within, complete with expanded en suite bathrooms, Sher Bagh introduces two new-tented suites: The Royal Suite The Royal Suite comes with a generous amount of space within and a…

One of the great things about Loka Snacks, is seeing what Dave comes up with each week. Although last week people loved his gobi manchurian dish, we found great beets this week so we served this whey fermented beet carpaccio. The fermented beets have an awesome flavour, not quite as acidic as pickled beets but not as mushy as roasted beets. This may be my favourite way to eat them. Although I still love the raw beet salad I make too. I loved the dish so much I really wanted to share this beet recipe that requires some patience but is well worth it. The fermented beets are roasted for 3…

The more time I spend in Grey Bruce County the more I realize it’s almost like medicine for living in the city. We take things far too seriously, get caught up in hype that doesn’t really matter and sometimes you lose sight of the small things that really do matter. Watch a Day at Hoity Toity Cellars So a day at Hoity Toity Cellars was the perfect intervention. Normally visiting a winery can be quite a serious thing. You sit and listen to the winemaker, they talk to you about the process, about pairing wine and how to drink it. Hoity Toity Cellars takes a different…

I’m not really the sentimental kind of person to celebrate Valentine’s Day. but it was the day Chef_Rouge and I finally arrived in Toronto after a crazy ride across country with a terrible U-Haul Experience but amazing night in Quebec City. He made crazy crostini type nachos from what we could find in the corner store. It was perfect. So while Valentine’s Day is a cheesy holiday, February 14th is special because we could finally be together in one city. That may be the only Valentine Day we celebrate alone. Because the brutal truth to being with a chef is that…

I grew up in an apple valley in Nova Scotia. Apples are intertwined with so many childhood memories; my grandmother made a great apple pie, the biggest festival of the year celebrated the apple blossoms and while I never picked apples it was the best location for underage drinking. Just a couple hours north of Toronto is another large apple region, Blue Mountains in Grey County is most known for its great skiing but it’s also home to 75% of Ontario’s apples so when they invited me up to take a tour of the Apple Pie Trail I knew I needed to bring Dana from Well Preserved. Have a…

A couple hours north of Toronto, Grey Bruce County is home to many farmers and food producers and its also where Dave grew up. A few months back he was asked to lead a chef’s mentorship program for the region as restaurants and chefs needed some advice on how to source more local product. He had successfully worked with farmers in Prince Edward Island and won the Taste our Island Award for his dedication to supporting the local food movement. We’ve been really excited about the program for a while. It’s a great opportunity to visit his childhood home but also to meet…

I had some serious misgivings when I booked my plane ticket to Thailand last October. I had just returned from Italy and spent a nightmarish 45 hours trying to get home and vowing to never book another confusing plane ticket again. Hell, maybe I was over flying all together. I was definitely done done DONE with United and their crappy customer service. Two days later I was invited to go to Thailand with my boyfriend Macky and his family for the holidays, and so there I was, buying another plane ticket with half a million layovers, on United no less. So much for resolutions. It wasn’t…

The province of Ninh Binh shares its name with the province’s capital city of the same name, and it is an area that is famous for its intimidating and dramatic landscapes and the steep-sided cliffs that are a distinctive part of the region. During the colonial period, the landscape made the area a challenging place to conquer, but for visitors today it makes it a spectacular and interesting place to visit. The area is also home to some wonderful Vietnamese architecture that helps to provide interest and historical context to a visit to the Ninh Binh area, which certainly should be on…

I’ve been photographing Iceland for the last few weeks, trying to extract every ounce of color and light from a typically grey, dark place in February. The weather absolutely did not cooperate: winds blew so hard I could barely stand at times, with gale warnings regularly in effect and gusts to 25m/sec (55mph). Despite the horizontal rain and sleet which hampered photo opportunities, I repeatedly (stubbornly?) ventured out in hopes of capturing meaningful pictures. Because of the poor weather and challenging conditions, I went back to basics by focusing on the three things that…

I’ve recently had several people tell me, when talking about their upcoming trips to Southeast Asia, that they’re sure Thailand is nice, but they won’t be visiting because it’s too touristy. While there’s no denying Thailand is an incredibly popular tourist destination – Bangkok was the second most-visited city in the world in 2014 – and that certain areas of the country have been irrevocably changed by tourism, there are still unique and authentic experiences to be had as well as enjoying some of the tourist offerings. In the middle of nowhere, Laos In fact, Southeast…

Okay, I know, the title of this is probably getting some raised eyebrows. What, you are thinking, is a bicycle amusement park, much less an indoor one? And why Cleveland? How did this mysterious bicycle equivalent of Six Flags end up in Northern Ohio? I’ll start with the last question. Ohio is basically the kingdom of amusement parks. Cedar Point. King’s Island. Oh, and then there are water parks every two feet. I was in a taxi in Mexico once and the driver asked me where I was from. When I said “Ohio” his face split into a huge grin and he said “Cedar Point!

The David B at anchor in Fords Terror in the Tongass National Forest. One of our favorite non-profits is the Alaska Wilderness League. They’ve worked tirelessly for years to promote the use of public lands for the benefit of the public in Alaska’s arctic and in the Tongass National Forest, which is near and dear to us as we spend most of our season cruising in and around the Tongass. For us, it is important to protect the Tongass. It’s where some of the last stands of old growth virgin forest thrives. Rivers in the Tongass National Forest run clear and clean and salmon come…

When we first stared Northwest Navigation Co. and bought the David B in 1998 we often dreamed of seeing her restored. We also hoped that someday there would be an article about the David B in WoodenBoat magazine as that magazine has always been a source of inspiration. This was especially true during the toughest times of restoring the David B when the end seemed impossibly out of reach. When things were difficult we’d often pull out our favorite copy of WoodenBoat - issue #140 Feb/Jan 1998 which featured the restoration of a boat called the Eda Frandsen. Its owners had done a…

This story was originally published at CruisingNW.com and can be read there in its entirety. Where the skiff meets the beach the sound of hundreds, if not thousands of small-flat weathered rocks clatter and scrape against each other as if in protest of having to move out of the way. I feel the same protest from under my Xtra-Tuf boots as I hop out of the boat and onto Pelican Beach at Cypress Island. The shore, as far as I can tell, is made up entirely of skipping stones, accented by a few large weathered logs. Once again, I think, no pelicans, and to the best of my knowledge few, if any…

Whatcom creek runs through downtown Bellingham and is a popular place for sports fishermen looking to catch chum salmon. Whenever I see salmon in our local streams or in far-away wild places, it reminds me of the endless cycles of the seasons that often seem to go unnoticed. It’s changing from fall to winter bringing big winds and rain. Leaves from the maple trees have all blown down, and the trails are muddy from the fallen leaves trampled into the soil. When the rain and the wind come to my home, I know that soon the chum salmon will too. And along with them, bald eagles and people will…

Everyday I think to myself how lucky Jeffrey and I have been able to run the David B as a tour boat for the last nine years, and that we’ve been able to share with our passengers the most spectacular places in Southeast Alaska. As we move deeper into the holiday season and I’m constantly bombarded by the advertisements to buy more and consume more, I think about how much I enjoy my experience-based business. On days where I have to reluctantly go to the part of town with the big mall and its traffic, or I listen to people talk about the drudgery of buying gifts, I always wonder…

Our family poses after hiking in the Pacific Northwest. My latest post for National Geographic Traveller has me trekking through the woods, and making some important discoveries along the way. The silence helps. We don’t often get a chance in this time of constant internet connection to be alone with our thoughts. On a hike like this you can’t help but let your mind wander. Read Working Toward ‘Wild’ on National Geography Traveller Though I wouldn’t call hiking my favourite activity, being brought out into the wild forest amongst all that beauty really had an impact on me.

We travelled in warmer months! This picture is a treasured reminder of our trip to PEI. It’s Friday! If you are like me, you are dreaming of the far off lands, fun and excitement that travel brings us to. If you are looking for a great escape this Spring, these travel deals will help you. Because travel is one thing, cheap(er) travel is just that much better. These deals feature fun destinations closer to home. Head to the Okanagan this Spring Break for fun and excitement at Big White Ski Resort. The resort is offering lift and lodge package deals that makes it possible to play in the snow,…

I loved India. It was one of those places that I hadn’t longed to visit but had harboured a certain curiosity about and when we got there and begin to explore I was quickly enamoured. It’s a beautiful country and in the places that seemed the poorest, the harshest, I found incredible moments of beauty. She was one of those beautiful moments. No more than 10 years old. Quietly watching – first from afar and then a little bit closer. Her curiosity brought her over. The boys were showing the neighbourhood kids the photos they had taken of them. The small crowd erupted in…

A view to remember in Blue River, BC. Our country is an impressive expanse of unique landscapes, and distinctly different towns and cities. With so many wonderful places at our front door, why leave Canada when looking for spring travel destinations? On TheStar.ca, I posted this article with tips for exploring 7 Canadian cities, coast-to-coast. Whether you want to try a road trip with the kids, fly to a new destination with your partner, or explore your own backyard, this is a great how-to article for exploring our wonderful country. Read the original article here. Newfoundland Start here:…

You know those kids who sit down at a table and immediately begin to list all the things wrong with their meal? There’s “sauce” on the plate, the rice is “touching” the meat and the vegetables are too soft/too hard/vegetables. It’s the same kid who often manages to wear his or her well-intentioned parents down to meal after meal of hot dogs and kraft dinner (never touching of course). I know that kid. I have that kid. Or at least I did 100 days ago. Ethan sampling something I didn’t. Ethan Michael Davis, 9, is my first born and for years he has been the one I…

I am terrified of heights. And of falling. And yet, I love ziplining. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still incredibly scared when I begin- but the exhilaration soon takes over and I’m enjoying the unbelievable freedom that comes from flying over trees, canyons, and heart-stopping views. Suited up for ziplining! Helmets, gloves, and my GoPro! Our first family zipline adventure was a single line over a canyon- and I was terrified!- as you can see in the video below: Our second adventure was much better- and more intense! A 10 line zip, it began with short lines barely suspended…

Learning to ski at Mount Kato Trying to avoid the winter blahs? Attempting to not hibernate like a bear? Or maybe you just need to combat cabin fever with a quick – and fun!- family getaway? My family found plenty of winter fun in Mankato, Minnesota. We embraced the activities Mankato had to offer, and had an amazing weekend! Family Winter Getaway in Mankato, Minnesota published by Des Moines Moms Blog I’m not fond of winter, though I am resigned to it. Growing up in Iowa, moving to Minnesota, then returning to Iowa, it’s obvious I’ve made my choice to deal with the harshest…

Class C RV we rented from Road Trip RV Adventures It’s easier than ever to take an epic family road trip in an RV! National and local rental companies abound. You can even rent an RV from a private owner in your area. But before you go, it’s important to separate RV fact from fiction. Before we purchased our RV, we rented one for a local company where I picked up a few handy RV rental tips that may help you decide on the perfect RV for your family’s vacation. Fact & Fiction: Renting an RV for Your Family Vacation published by Minitime RV Fiction: An RV is a cheap…

It’s always an honor to be named to ‘Top Travel Blog” lists, and more so when you are named by a blog that you read. So I was thrilled when Pretzels or Peanuts, a super fun blog that has encouraged us to try geocaching, chose Family Rambling as one of their top family travel blogs to follow for 2015. I love that Peanuts or Pretzels shared their favorite post from our site – Living Like Laura in DeSmet, South Dakota - as well as what readers can look forward to this year. Go ahead and click the banner to the left to see the other terrific sites Pretzels or Peanuts…

The theme for ICE 2012 is Merry Madagascar The popular saying is that ‘everything is bigger in Texas’. While that may not be universally true, I can tell you from experience that Christmas is bigger in Texas! Celebrating Christmas in Grapevine Texas is an unforgettable way to kick off the season – or to end it before the reality of school and work set back in. Things to Do for Christmas with Kids in Texas published by Minitime Christmas is a time for twinkling lights, glittering decorations and family memories. And there is no better place to experience all that and more…

Lighthouse enthusiasts who want to see the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse on Oahu will have to hike to get there. This popular trail is a favorite, but because of all the foot traffic, it is scheduled for a major facelift by the state department of Land and Natural Resources. The Makapu’u Point Trail upgrade is scheduled […]

If you find yourself shoveling out of yet another snowfall and dreaming of getting away but can’t, now is the time to at least start planning for your summer vacation. As you think about your travel plans, consider checking out different credit card offers to find which ones offer the best travel rewards and benefits. […]

Nature lovers experience endless natural beauty in Canada’s Dundas Valley with trails that meander through Carolinian Forest and escarpment landscapes. With more than 40 kilometers of trails, the vistas offer new discoveries with each visit. Things to Do in the Dundas Valley Trails in the Dundas Valley offer opportunities for hikers, bikers, joggers, and even equestrians […]

As one of the last untouched wonders of the planet, a visit to Antarctica is an inevitably large “tick” off anyone’s bucket list. Paradoxically, this unstirred mystique has caused a stirring spike in tourist arrivals. From 2013 – 2014, the exotic and frozen tundra saw over 37,000 visitors arriving to tour Antarctic waters for pleasure on boats carrying anywhere between 5 to over 2,000 passengers. This is quite a lot, considering the continent has never been home to a native human population. A Peaceful (And Therefore Brief) History Despite the hubbub from Western society…

At the not-very-tender age of 35, travel writer Bruce Northam hitchhiked America from coast to coast one more time to bring awareness to the fact that it could still be done in spite of the negative P.R. the practice was receiving in the ’90s. By that time, Bruce had already been hitchhiking for two decades. His new book, The Directions to Happiness, is a lifetime of accumulated lessons given across his 30 years spent traveling in and out of 135 different countries. His “country math” was done reluctantly. As he told me, “Roaming the world should be a matter of art,…

China Airlines, Taiwan’s largest airline, recently introduced three new Boeing 777-300ERs into its fleet. Three 777s that offer one of the most pleasurable and memorable experiences you are allowed to have while flying without breaking any international air treaties. The new 358-seat 777s offer 40 Premium Business Class seats, 62 Premium Economy Class seats, and 256 Economy Class seats, along with an interior intended to reflect traditional design infused with modern Asian artistry. In other words, rather than focusing on getting you from point “A” to point “B”,…

If there’s one thing New York City does really well, it’s eschewing the cookie-cutter chains that dot much of the American landscape, especially when it comes to hotels (okay, maybe not banks and certain coffee shops, but that’s another story). If you’re coming here and are tired of staying at traditional hotel chains, then The Kimberly Hotel, located in Midtown on 50th Street just off Lexington Avenue, is the place for you. This newly built, independent hotel is home to posh suites, walk-out balconies, two restaurants and one of the best-known rooftop bars in the…

There are countless reasons not to travel: lost luggage, delayed flights, aggressive hawkers and taxi scams, to name a few. And so it was that logistical hassles, fear of the unknown and the tyranny of the status quo – not to mention the cost – all conspired to keep my wife and I grounded in the safe and familiar confines of our downtown Toronto condo. Indeed, for years, only a few touristy forays to Western Europe and the Caribbean gave us glimpses beyond the Platonic cave of our self-imposed, inverted exile. By our mid-twenties, though, that started to change. Suddenly uninspired with…

To Kill a Mockingbird “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corncribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” Harper Lee So goes one of many memorable quotes in the timeless play To Kill a Mockingbird, playing until March 8 at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater at Lochhaven Park. Based on the bestselling book of the same name by Harper Lee, this superb production relays the story of Jean Louise Finch – aka Scout – a precocious,…

Since we last highlighted the band, Sidereal has performed as an early opening act for Stephen Marley, six time Grammy award winner and son of the reggae legend Bob Marley, at the Suwannee Music Festival in August of 2014. More recently, Sidereal was contacted by the U.S. Navy to perform at the GTMO Music Festival on Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba which they performed at in November. As a result, the group was accepted into the Armed Forces Entertainment Program where Sidereal will proudly be performing for our 500,000 military personnel at 300+ U.S. Military Installations around the…

Here’s your chance to see the one and only Greatest Show on Earth, live at the Amway Center Jan 8-11 in Orlando! Prepare to be astonished and amazed by some of the coolest acts that can only be seen at Xtreme Circus! Children of all ages can let their imaginations go wild in an exhilarating adventure with extraordinary circus artists and exotic animals! From the highest mountains to the deepest seas, join us as we explore a world of extreme beauty, flexibility, strength and dexterity in ways you’ve never seen before. Ringling Bros. is a 144-year tradition that combines the…

Superhero Fans, Unite! Seven Exciting Performances Put on your capes and grab your weapons! Marvel Universe Live is taking it to a whole new level, with seven exciting performances on December 5-7 at the Amway Center in Orlando. Watch your favorite Marvel Superheroes, including Spiderman and the Avengers, Iron Man, Black Widow, Hulk and more, come to life as they stop evil villains in their tracks in an action-paced arena extravaganza! Marvel Universe LIVE! will captivate kids and adults alike with an authentic story that brings more than 25 Marvel icons together on one epic quest. The…

What a fantastic way to start the month! Disney on Ice presented Frozen this past weekend and it was an absolutely spectacular production and performance! Here are a few fun facts we picked up along the way: Disney on Ice Presents Frozen Number of cities in the 2013-2014 tour: 37 Number of trucks it takes to transport production: 11 Miles traveled during the 2013-2014 tour: Almost 17,823 Longest trip of the current 2014-2015 tour 1,423 miles ( from Toronto, Canada to Dallas, Texas) Shortest trip of the current tour: 12 miles (from Newark, NJ to E. Rutherford, NJ) Average distance…

Fifteen quick ways to beat jet lag like you’ve never seen it before. There are several of tips out there on jet lag, but this is especially comprehensive and I thought I’d share it with Smart Women Travelers. via Thomas Cook The post 15 Quick Ways To Beat Jet Lag appeared first on Smart Women Travelers. Smart Women Travelers - A Pearl Revealed In Each and Every Trip

There may be one more thing you need to know about booking your hotel room. Regardless of how you book your overnight hotel accommodations, always become a member of the hotel’s loyalty program before you make the reservation. Booking your hotel room-Executive King Hilton Bandung SmartWomenTravelers.com This can be very helpful to you in many ways, from better rooms to upgraded amenities. The more you stay at a particular hotel chain, the better the benefits. Some of these may include a nicer room, a better view, free bottled water, quicker check-in and checkout, access to the…

What if you are running late for your flight? Don’t panic. Or panic just a little but don’t get carried away. It won’t help you or anyone else. Here’s a little insider secret. Shhh, don’t tell anyone. Airline’s have been known to hold up a plane departure for certain elite status flyers or dignitaries. I’m not talking about an hour here, but if that passenger is running a few minutes late, the boarding doors may remain open a bit longer. Of course, these “special” travelers slink into first class so no one gets to see who they are but you know it is a passenger delay…

Is that your dog with his head hanging out the car window? With millions of drivers on the road this holiday season, many family pets are traveling as well. Here are a few holiday road trip tips to get you and your furry friends on your way. According to AAA about 99 million Americans are traveling throughout December and January. Unlike previous years, 91% of those travelers are taking to the road. I’m inclined to believe this may have something to do with plummeting gas prices, which are lower than they have been in the past five years. In fact it is the longest period of continual price…

Most people like surprises. Well, the good kind anyway. Longtime readers may remember when I planned a surprise trip with my husband a couple years ago. He had no idea where we were going except for the daily clues. Each day in December, I posted another clue to where we were traveling. It was fun to plan, fun to read all the comments where we were going, and so much fun to give away the prizes at the end. So what’s involved if you want to plan a surprise trip for someone? It all begins with a destination. This might be something specific like Disney World, a cruise, a trip to the…

If you like this article, you'll find more to enjoy at Traveling with MJ - Practical travel information for practical travelers. I’m packing up – or trying to – and getting ready to head off to Berlin in the morning. It’s been two years since I’ve been there, and last time the weather looked like this. Since I do have to be out and around, I’m packing plenty of warm clothes, but doing so makes me realize that I really don’t have clothes for this type of weather. Especially the type of warm clothing that gets you through business meetings as well as…

If you like this article, you'll find more to enjoy at Traveling with MJ - Practical travel information for practical travelers. I think I first tasted Kahlua, the coffee flavored, rum-based liqueur from Mexico, in some sort of coffee drink whose purpose was more to stave off winter chill, rather than to tantalize my taste buds. It took many years into adulthood, and many trip to Mexico where I brought home Kahlua as the value proposition souvenir that it is, before I understood the many other ways to enjoy it. Kahlua dates back to 1936 Pedro Domecq combined rum, vanilla, corn syrup, and…

If you like this article, you'll find more to enjoy at Traveling with MJ - Practical travel information for practical travelers. I’m trying to grow my Instagram following, so if you’re not following me, please head over here and do me that favor. I’m hoping by this time next month my followers will be up to 2,000. Can you help? And just to give you a sample of the kind of things I share on Instagram, here are my top Instagram photos from last month. This photo was taken two years ago while I was visiting Berlin for the very first time. I was there for a travel conference…

If you like this article, you'll find more to enjoy at Traveling with MJ - Practical travel information for practical travelers. Jump on your bike and head off with SpiceRoads’ Bike and Hike Wild Madagascar, a 15-day adventure to a biodiversity hotspot world renowned for its natural treasures, rich culture and charming ethnic groups. This bike and hike tour will introducd you to the friendly Malagasy people, along with their proud traditions, before heading off into the wilderness to sample the country’s vast biodiversity. On the tour you’ll spot unique plants and animals…

If you like this article, you'll find more to enjoy at Traveling with MJ - Practical travel information for practical travelers. This week was an opportunity to visit two cities that I haven’t seen it awhile — Denver and St. Louis. There was snow on the ground in both places, although sunny and blue skies in Denver, and I felt it was my first real taste of winter. I’ve got a couple more winter trips coming up, so it’s probably time to dig out the sweaters and heavy shoes. Stay tuned. Blue skies and snow on the ground in Denver, Colorado Here’s what caught my eye…

Want to Splash out on Posh Bubbles? Here is a list of our suggested top (and most expensive) Champagnes…. There is no questioning the marketing genius of the major Champagne houses. They have ensured that the name Champagne continues to carry almost mystical properties for the vast majority of us, and it is undoubtedly true that the top Champagnes are wonderful wines – luxurious, delicious and extremely glamorous. But the magic, meticulous hard work and rigorous selection contained in a bottle of Krug or Cristal would be nothing without the promotional genius of these so called Grande…

Recommended Cocktail Recipes from Spain- Liven up your dinner parties! Riotous, colorful celebrations are very much a part of Spanish life, and no Spanish party is complete without a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. Indeed, alcoholic (and non-alcoholic) drinks are an integral part of Spain’s gastronomic and cultural traditions; the country has been growing grapes for many centuries. Many drinks festivals run throughout the year, including the Vinoble Wine exhibition this May in Jerez and the Feria de la Manzanilla, a surefire way to get very well acquainted with gorgeous…

Burgundy is France’s richest province, historically, culturally, and, of course, gastronomically. The region boasts an enviable and proud tradition of culinary excellence and grand winemaking traditions, with the highly sought-after flavors of both red and white Burgundy in ever-growing demand today. And where there are passionate vignerons, a plethora of fine restaurants soon follows. For Burgundians are extremely discerning in their food choices and despite the influx of tourism across the area in recent years, standards remain impeccably high. Moreover, new faces and a more…

What could be more evocative of the famed Italian Dolce Vita than sipping cocktails under an open summer sky, reveling in the magic of one of the world’s greatest cities – Rome? The Italian capital, of course, hardly needs an introduction. This vibrant and historic city is as culturally rich and architecturally stunning as the come. The nightlife scene, after a somewhat slow start, is now one of the best in Italy: bars, restaurants, cafes and pubs to suit all tastes and budgets. In addition, stylish rooftop bars now abound in Rome, glamorous destinations where you can dress to kill…

Carnival in Europe – Five great Carnival Vacation ideas for wine lovers in 2014 Although most of us when mentioning the world carnival might instantly think of Sydney, Rio or New Orleans, Europe can still lay claim to the oldest and proudest Mardi Gras tradition. The historical importance of the religious celebrations preceding the start of Lent is marked by the diverse and colorful local festivals celebrated throughout European cities each year. From the famous masked balls in Venice, to the riotous and vibrant carnival in Tenerife, these occasions are a must see for wine lovers who…

From a Spanish shoe manufacturer based in Mallorca to a distinctive and formidable hotelier, Camper has certainly come a long way. Its most recent addition is this sleek and central Berlin base with a superlative restaurant, set in the vibrant Mitte district. It’s clear these shoes were made for walking. Casa Camper Berlin effortlessly combines minimalist chic with a down-to-earth vibe and intelligent comfort. It’s popular with a mix of guests, from cool clubbers to iPhone-toting businessmen, all busy enjoying the wonderful Tentempie Lounge – the hub of the hotel, where you’ll…

i-escape’s co-founder and director Laila spent Christmas and New Year in Vietnam with her husband and 2 teenage boys. Here she shares some of her favourite experiences and holiday snaps with you. Riding with locals in Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City – or Saigon – is known as the motorbike capital of the world. With over 4 million scooters and bikes in the city, they rule the roads (and pavements) in all directions. They’re piled high with everything and anything – entire families are transported on the back, side and front of these nippy 2-wheelers. Scooters…

This month we’re craving vibrant cities rich with exciting festivities, beautiful architecture and plenty to see and do. Whether it’s an easy hop from home, a little added warmth in the Adriatic or a full-on adventure across the pond, our hassle-free suggestions are perfect for an easy March jaunt. No need to thank us; all you have to do is book*. Secure your accommodation through i-escape, then follow our recommendations for travel, and voila! It’s time to start packing. Go green in Bristol – £145 per person (2 nights, 26-28 March 2015) Bristol With Bristol being the European…

Our new Escape of the Week does pastoral bliss like nowhere else. Folded into a tree-lined valley on the edge of Dartmoor, this 4-bedroom B&B is the most recent incarnation of Sir Francis Drake’s old cider house and still retains the feeling of rural serenity that first attracted Cistercian monks to the abbey next door many centuries ago. Cider House may be high on the relaxation scale (something helped by wonderful hosts Bertie and Bryony), but its location on the edge of Dartmoor, not far from the English Riviera, means it’s also a great base for getting out and about. That’s if…

We’re delighted to announce that over the next year we’ll be collaborating with a small selection of fantastic family and lifestyle bloggers, who will be joining us to explore the i-escape Kids Collection and bring you the scoop on some boutique gems. Over the next few weeks we’ll reveal a little more about them here. First up, let us introduce you to Fritha of tigerlillyquinn… Your blog in one sentence… The lifestyle blog of a twenty-something mum to a small boy named Wilf, and wife to a bearded husband named Tom. tigerlillyquinn What kicked it all off? I started to blog a…

The Byteful Glimpse series continues today with a transgender sea turtle video, taken at the lovely Richardson Beach just outside of Hilo on the Big Island. Why transgender? Well, you’ll just have to watch the video to find out. (And no, the data in this video wasn’t enough to confirm that, but it’s possible! Transgendered creatures have gotten a bad rep in the past, and today I want to set the record straight. This turtle was super cool.) Share & Enjoy. Transcript Me: You can tell by the tail? Really? All right, I stand corrected. The Lady: Males have longer tails because…

On my way back from a short adventure in the North, I passed by the wondrous “La Hiki Ola” Kava Bar in downtown Pahoa. I still can’t remember exactly why I was compelled to go up the narrow steps to the seldom-seen upper floor of the Kava Bar, but perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised since, as you’ll see in the video timestamp, this all happened almost exactly one year ago. In any case, I found myself in the midst of a remarkable performance. Zhu the violinist, her boyfriend, and Dave, the owner, were jamming in a most zen-like and relaxing way. I found the music entrancing, and…

Why do you attach your sense of well-being to stuff? It’s an old question, certainly. And whenever I ask myself, I always come back to one thought: no matter how much material success I may have in this life, everything I see is temporary. That certainly doesn’t stop us from attaching our sense of security to what we have attained, especially if it’s taken us a significant amount of time and/or effort to attain. Indeed, attaching our sense of safety to possessions is the epidemic of the modern age, at least in the Western world, where materialism is the status quo. But when I think…

Just two days after I saw a stunning ocean vista, I found myself in Hilo, the largest city on the Big Island. I love Hilo, partially because it has some of the best food on the island, but also because it has a flippin’ gorgeous waterfall… within city limits. And how many US cities can say that? If you ever find yourself on the Big Island, this is a place you really can’t miss. It’s pretty easy to find, too. All the maps have it, and once you get there, just take the lefthand trail up and around to find the grove of Banyan trees, which are basically the best trees in the world to…

Your tour of the Big Island continues today with a little glimpse of the south-eastern coast. I took this short video just after shooting a 3-part series on Baker’s Lagoon. This video was shot nearby, just a mile or so down the famous Red Road, which offers many breathtaking sights (not to mention a good place to hitchhike). I just LOVE how the clouds are mango-colored, not to mention the color of the water. What a gorgeous place. Coming up soon: Climb inside a massive Banyan Tree and see Rainbow Falls! For more: There’s more where that came from! Be sure to check out the wealth of…

So, you're engaged but now what? You've announced it to all of your friends and family, officially changed your Facebook status, and had a huge party to celebrate with all your loved ones, but what comes next? Thinking about a budget and the guest list and the venue and the catering and the cake and the invitations is starting make your head spin, am I right?!Design your wedding day the free spirited way! This wedding planner is for newly engaged couples and/or brides ready to begin planning their wedding day with ease. It's a guide to help make planning the perfect wedding less stressful and…

Braving bitter winter temperatures isn’t something that every couple is willing to do for the sake of a beautiful backdrop for their engagement photos, but I am so very thankful for flexible folks like Katie and Dom because going on adventures is what it’s all about!It’s no secret that I love photographing outdoor engagement photos no matter how unpredictable the Boone weather might be. There’s just something special about shooting outside that will always excite me whether I’m discovering some beautiful backlight during golden hour or combating a blizzard that’s creating a wicked…

It's been nearly a year since a handful of local Boone wedding vendors got together and took on the challenge to photograph an Alice in Wonderland wedding themed styled shoot in the dead of winter. It was a pretty crazy idea to pull all of this together in under a month, but we had such a great team, and everything happened so seamlessly throughout the entire project, so it was a dream to bring this conceptual shoot to fruition.I'm so pleased to share that the Alice in Wonderland styled wedding shoot was published in the High Country Wedding Guide this year! YAYAYAYAYAYAY! Happy dance…

Whether you are married, planning a wedding, or just looking for ways to add the spark back to your relationship, here are some simple but fun ideas to show you that you don’t need a bunch of money to plan a date night with your honey. Heck, you don't even need to plan anything with the idea jar. You can just pick out a random activity and go on a spontaneous adventure! It’s all about reconnecting with that special someone, it doesn't really even matter what you do.I know that putting a “date night” on the calendar sounds unsexy, but this should be a priority even if it's only once a…

A total of 648 votes were received over the course of the Wayfaring Wanderer Wedding + Engagement Photography Package Giveaway! WOW!I really loved seeing the show of support being displayed by all of the awesome peeps voting for the couples they were rooting for! Made me feel all warm and fuzzy!As you know, the Grand Prize winners were chosen based on the show of support from family and friends of the finalists. It was an extremely close race and Katie and Dom only won by 15 votes so each and every one of your votes was crucial, so thank you for taking the time to participate in…

Visitors have been flocking to the pretty village of Sirmione ever since the first Roman hitched up his toga and dipped a toe into the hot mineral waters of the Terme di Catullo. Located on the tip of a peninsular that juts out from the southern shore of Lake Garda, Sirmione is known for its health giving spa waters, its romantic sunsets over the lake and its benign climate. As one of the most picturesque spots on Lake Garda, it’s also known for its crowds. Visit in summer and you’ll find yourself swept along in a tsunami of day trippers with barely enough elbow space to raise a…

The upper reaches of Lake Maggiore know no man-made boundaries. The longest of the Italian Lakes, Maggiore stretches over 64km from Piedmont and Lombardy in Italy to the foot of the Swiss Alps. Driving along the sun-dappled coast from the Cannero Riviera, crossing the Italian/Swiss border was about as exciting as driving through a green light. A perfunctory nod from border control police and we had left Italy and entered Switzerland. Almost immediately, I noticed subtle changes in the roadside views; houses replaced Aleppo pines, gardens ceased some of their unrehearsed ballet and pavements…

Coaches unload thousands of tourists who swarm in packs to take photos and be photographed in scenes that should be familiar to millions of people worldwide. It should be a recipe for the sort of place reviled by anyone turned off by the thought of be being jostled by large excursion groups. The Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg might be a huge tourist attraction, but they have enough of a strong personality and space to swallow up the masses without allowing them to corrupt their most attractive qualities. Their history, depth and quirkiness makes them so much more than a pretty backdrop for…

“There’s no need to be aggressive,” the hotel receptionist backs off a bit. By this time my fury has made me totally forget I’m naked. “Aggressive? Aggressive?” I take a step toward him. “I think I’m being remarkably calm under the circumstances.” The circumstances are that I’m now almost standing in the corridor of an airport hotel, it’s 2.30am and we have to get up for a flight at 4am. At 2am we were rudely awakened by someone in the corridor making a right racket as they found their room. Just as we were falling back asleep the door was banged…

I first read about songlines in Bruce Chatwin’s book The Songlines. They are an ancient way to create maps using a ‘song’ that recounts aspects of the landscape, textures of the earth and things seen along the way. The songline can steer the ‘singer’ in the right direction over long distances. In a time when advances in technology is making life easier whilst chipping away at our ability to function without electronic crutches, I find myself drawn more and more to the old ways of navigating. I learnt to use a map properly when I was twelve. It’s a skill I…

Renaissance Asheville Hotel | 31 Woodfin Street | Asheville, NC 28801 | 1-828-252-8211 Asheville is North Carolina’s most gay friendly city and one of the south’s coolest destinations! In a recent United States census, the Asheville area had 83% more LGBT identified people than the typical American city or town. Think about that for … Continue reading →

The Colonnade Hotel / 120 Huntington Ave / Boston, MA 02116 / 1-800-962-3030 The Colonnade Hotel is an exceptional luxury hotel located in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. Many factors make The Colonnade stand out from the competition, such as being home to Boston’s only rooftop pool located 11 stories up in the … Continue reading →

This winter's record snowfall and frigid temperatures in the Northeast have had most people fantasizing about shedding their snow boots and running away to a tropical island. So when I told people that my winter getaway would take me in the opposite direction—to Oslo—I got more than a few raised eyebrows. Why travel hundreds of miles closer to the Arctic Circle, to the most expensive city in Europe, in February? I set out to convince myself (and the brave friend who agreed to join me) that it's not crazy to visit Scandinavia in the dead of winter. And I was right.

Ramen was once thought of as college-student food, a cheap and filling meal that was bought in bulk—but, oh, how times have changed. These days, you can find trendy, top-notch ramen shops all over the country. No longer relegated to the world of prepackaged Styrofoam cups, this Japanese comfort food has become a full-blown craze, with illustrious chefs trying their hand at crafting the perfect noodle to pair with a silky, flavorful broth. From Honolulu to Miami, here are ten of our favorite spots to get a steaming bowl of ramen. By Abbey Chase

It’s often been said that print is dead, but in recent years there’s been a magazine renaissance, with new, small-circulation titles popping up what seems like every month. Much to our delight, a large portion of these magazines are dedicated to covering travel, and they do so with beautiful layouts, striking covers, gorgeous photography, and unique features. We’ve selected 13 of our favorite indie travel magazines, all of which will are guaranteed to feed your wanderlust. Each one has a unique voice and style, but all of them will transport you to another place. By Annie…

No matter what country you’re in, nothing can top the energy of a big city. This week, we’ve covered urban locales from every angle, highlighting great hotels, picking out destination-worthy cultural activities and celebrations, and giving you advice on how to make the most of your trip. Whether you’re looking to escape to Seattle, Paris, or Queens, you’ll find expert info in our weekly roundup. 15 Things Not to Do in Paris Spend your time in France wisely by following this list of 15 things not to do in Paris. 10 Best Hotels in Queens Enjoy stunning Manhattan…

When it comes to affordable visits to New York City, Queens is king, with hotels sprouting up at breakneck speed (touting 101 options at last count, with some 50 more in the pipeline, according to hotel research firm STR). Plus, this little borough that could has been slowly creeping into the tourism spotlight, emerging from the shadows of hip-and-happening sister boroughs Brooklyn and Manhattan, thanks to its world-class arts scene, cultural centers, microbreweries, and ethnic eateries. Next time you're booking a trip to NYC, choose a Queens stay for reasonable rates and more spacious…

IainIainMallory Guest post by Alison Bailey It’s Iceland, it’s December, it’s cold and snowing, having spent several days holed up in Reykjavik courtesy of a hurricane Iain and I are planning to escape, and circumnavigate the island. Originally intending to drive anticlockwise around Route N1, a circular road that makes a circuit of the island possible, but the weather wasn’t […] The post Planning A Winter Road Trip in Iceland appeared first on Mallory On Travel.MalloryOnTravel

IainIainMallory “Just ease the vehicle over the edge, down the hill, and remove your foot from the brake” were the words of advice offered by Rob, my LandRover Experience guide at Eastnor Castle. The idea is to allow the on-board electronics and hill descent control system of the Discovery 4 do it’s thing, and descend the […] The post The Land Rover Experience at Eastnor Castle appeared first on Mallory On Travel.MalloryOnTravel

IainIainMallory I am fortunate to be a professional travel blogger. This allows me to visit both exotic, and adventurous destinations, staying in high-end hotels, villas, or lodges with the expenses covered by the client. This hasn’t always been the case, like most people I have had to balance paying my everyday living costs with a passion […] The post Balancing The Budget; Living With Travelling appeared first on Mallory On Travel.MalloryOnTravel

IainIainMallory Even as the busy roads, and bright lights of Reykjavik receded in the rear view mirror of the rental car, the inky blackness of wild Iceland beckoned ahead. It was already after 8am, and yet the tight grip of night would not loosen for nearly two hours. This is winter in Iceland, a short window […] The post Chasing Light in Winter Iceland; Road to Kirkjufell appeared first on Mallory On Travel.MalloryOnTravel

IainIainMallory Iceland sometimes appears the home of the hardy adventurer, the Viking spirit seems alive, and well in the Land of Fire, and Ice. Icelanders cope admirably with difficult conditions, short days, harsh winters, geothermal activity, including erupting volcanoes, and earthquakes shaping them into a resilient race, which truly seems to laugh in the face of hardship. […] The post Postcard of Icelandic Horses; Symbols of Hardiness appeared first on Mallory On Travel.MalloryOnTravel

Here at FareCompare, we recently reported on passenger rights during delays and the sad truth is, there aren’t many. However, there are some perks when problems occur but they’re so little known they might as well be secrets. Secret Airline Guarantees In most cases, these guarantees are not highlighted on airline homepages. We found the following, though, and if you find others, we’d love to hear about them. Baggage Fee Guarantees Alaska: If your checked-bag doesn’t make it to the carousel within 20 minutes, you get a choice of 2,500 miles or a voucher code…

Some of us are extra careful when traveling while others throw caution to the winds. For those of you in the latter group, there are scams out there, but a little prudence helps (along with common sense). LISTEN: How about some personal scam experiences? Five Common Travel Scams First, read about these common scams so you’ll recognize them; to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Then see our tips to avoid being victimized. 1. Distraction Dodges: Bracelets, Strippers and More A friendly fellow asks your help for a demonstration and next thing you know, he’s weaving a string bracelet…

I began writing a weekly air travel column for ABC News seven years ago this month (you can see them all here). Looking back, I’m struck by what a time of turmoil 2008 proved to be. LISTEN: Rick Seaney predicts you’ll like this podcast. Crazy Travel Predictions of 2008 Soaring oil prices, airlines going bankrupt left and right, the dawn of the Fee Era – it was a pretty wild time – and led to some pretty crazy predictions. Like these: Oil prices are going to kill the airlines. In 2008, Southwest CEO Gary Kelly said, “No airline can make money at $123 a…

Ice storms, raging blizzards, howling winds; what to do when it’s cold outside? Warm up, and here are some excellent places to do that, in the U.S. and around the world. Bonus: Some of these destinations can be good bargains right now, depending on where you’re traveling from. Click the city for best deals from your town. Click the tourism link for fun stuff. Warm U.S. Cities California: We’ve been seeing good deals to Los Angeles, San Diego and Palm Springs. Los Angeles will probably be the coolest of the three, temperature-wise, but coolness is a plus too (think movie…

This could be a perfect time to get on a plane and go somewhere so take a look at these destination ideas. Most will be familiar, but – have you actually been? You could be in for a delightful surprise. LISTEN: Travel expert Rick Seaney has visited most of these. Why Fly Now Depending on where you’re going, the weather can be pretty good in March, April and May and since the biggest crowds don’t usually descend on many of these cities until July and August, you may avoid long lines at attractions. Even better, when demand is lower, airfare prices tend to drop as well. Tip:…

Situated in the Asian subcontinent, India is an amalgamation of diverse cultures, ethnic beauty and spiritualism. This land, once known as “the golden bird” can take you on a journey from the golden period to the modern evolving times. Here are five reasons why you absolutely need to add India to your bucket list: 1. Experience Diversity In Unity One of the most incredible things about India is its diversity. Even moving from one state to another is like stepping into a whole new world where you get to experience a new tradition, culture, cuisine, attire and language. Each…

Snow ghosts stood sentry on the mountain ridges above Lake Pend Oreille as I drove the two miles across Long Bridge into Sandpoint. In the Idaho panhandle, wintry storms are wet enough to cover the evergreens in a lasting crystal-white coating that shimmers in the brilliant blue sunshine. Up close, the trees look sturdy enough to scale with ice climbing equipment, but from the valley, they look like the snow queen’s palace guard. I’d just finished a big project and wanted to get away for a long, quiet weekend. A solo visit to Schweitzer Mountain Resort promised solitude: it’s a ski…

Tucked away in the folds of the San Jacinto Mountains, across the desert floor and in the foothills of Joshua Tree National Park, you’ll find the perfect environment for enjoying and improving your golf skills in fabulous settings. For years, everyone from seasoned pros and fun-seeking amateurs to vacationing celebrities, and both corporate and government presidents, have come to play golf in Greater Palm Springs. And why not? With 100-plus golf courses, surrounded by abundant sunshine, low humidity, and dramatic desert scenery, there’s plenty to go around. The total number of golf…

10 Things I didn’t know about the Galapagos (via Finding the Universe) “Oh, you’re going to the Galapagos!”, a friend of mine emailed me. “Reminds me of all the stuff I had to learn in biology, you know, about Darwin and so on, but hey: that is so exciting!” “Loz,”, I asked my better half, “what has Darwin… The post 10 Things I didn’t know about the Galapagos appeared first on The Traveler's Way. Related Stories10 Things I didn’t know about the Galapagos

Mesa’s bountiful harvest is proudly shared with visitors with fresh experiences, a treasured heritage of family farms, and long-standing festivals. Serving as a culinary gateway to Phoenix and Scottsdale, the neighboring farms in Mesa and surrounding towns of Gilbert and Queen Creek provide a bounty of seasonal goods for visitors to enjoy year-round. Citrus in January, peaches in May, and olives in October — travelers can time their visits to experience harvest activities and events. The Mesa Agritourism Trail in this region of Arizona includes the following culinary…

Here is an old report on one of our favorite beach destinations, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Yes, the report's been here before but we've added a whole bunch of new pictures. Plus something else...Our first trip to Puerto Vallarta was in 1991. We liked it so much, we pretty much came every year during the 90's, back when Tim was little enough to carry and get over all those stairs.On our second trip in 1992, I borrowed my dad's VHS camcorder. Recently, I dug out the old VHS tape, digitized it, and edited down 90 minutes worth of video down to 10 minutes.23 years ago, when Tim was but…

Go to this link, Golden State Eating: Nine Tales of California Food Destinations, or the one below to get your copy of our e-book. It follows us along as we go from Los Angeles to Napa Valley and back again, highlighting nine great food trips to take in this state.To celebrate, here's our Margarita Madness Cocktail Hour which features the video that's embedded in Chapter 1 of our book. Enjoy...The first chapter is our new Southern California's Top Three Margaritas and features this video that we've spent the last 6 months working on and putting together so we could launch it with our…

Mexico turns into a different place after dark. Check out this video as we go in search of some street food after the sun goes down.We find a taco shack at the edge of an empty lot doing big business.It's where we find this taco de al pastor. Also, here's where you can find all of our Ensenada reports, photos, and videos (link below)...The World on Wheels Visits Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.Darryl

It's hard to believe but recently Los Angeles was ranked as the 3rd most transit friendly city in the United States. We've made huge strides here in this sun-soaked metropolis in public transportation in the last two decades and there's more to come.We now have a subway, several light rail lines, and commuter rail to go along with our vast bus system. The one thing we don't have (yet) are signs at the stops and most stations telling you when the next ride will be coming like they do in Europe.There are some transit apps for your smart phone or tablet that can be utilized to…

See our previous chapters here...Part 1, Part 2Part 3 and Part 4 of this report.After a fun-filled and relaxing day at Bahia de San Quintin, we're relaxing in our room at the Mission Inn in Vicente Guerrero when my wife announces that her brother just posted on Facebook that he, his wife, and their two kids are at Estero Beach Hotel in Ensenada.While we'd had some other plans, mostly of the shopping variety, for tomorrow, this changes things.The wife and kids live in Mexicali so it's a rare day when we get to see them. I haven't seen the boy for five years and I've never met the…

Looking back at all of our family pictures, I found our scrapbook on Hawaii. My favorite pictures came from Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. This is a very touristy place, due to its stunning natural features. You can literally see all the reef because the water is so clear! Once you are down there, you can see how there is snorkeling gear being sold there, in case you didn’t bring your own. Beforehand, you are asked to watch a video about wildlife safety, because these creatures are in their natural environment and they are only there for visitors to see not touch. Remembering back, I…

Every time we go to Mexico, we always visit Ensenada, Baja California. You’ve probably been there from a cruise that you’ve been on, or maybe from when you pass through when you go to the beaches in Baja California. One of our favorite spots is always visiting la Bufadora,or the Blowhole. The Pacific water is never warm, so when you get splashed, you’re freezing. Although, you do feel freshened up on those hot, humid summer days. We have gone a couple of times where the blowhole isn’t it’s usual self and there isn’t any water being sprayed. So if you do end…

We all know and love the giant East Coast city of New York, NYC. So much so, that Vegas has a hotel themed after the big apple. New York, New York is a hotel on the end of the famous strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. Like all of the hotels on the strip, the theme doesn’t just stop at the name. New York, New York recreates the famous city sky line of tall buildings for the exterior of hotel, with the Statue of Liberty front and center. You’ll notice a roller coaster (think Cooney Island) is in the mix of the concrete jungle. Yes, the coaster is real and guests can ride for a small fee.

Although I have traveled to several places in China, I personally have never been to the tropical island of Hainan, where I experienced many new adventures and excursions in December of 2014. Surrounded by the South China Sea, Hainan is located 469 km southwest of Hong Kong. Even though it was December, the temperature was hovering around 70 degrees and along the streets, there were many palm trees and bright flowers creating a tropical paradise. On this splendid day, my grandparents and I went to a local bird park located between Haikou and Sanya. Entering the park, I was enthralled by the…

It’s been on the bucket list forever, and last summer I was finally able to cross it off. These hamster balls can be found at county fairs, state fairs, farmer’s markets, etc. Some simply laugh at those inside and think it is only for little kids. Well, my family and I are living proof that that assumption is completely wrong… Keep in mind, that it was summer, it was hot in there! Note: for those that may be claustrophobic, this is not recommended. It is very difficult to stand up. But it’s fun trying! So what they do is basically put you in a plastic ball that they…

Packing light is key when deciding what to bring on safari in Kenya. When my best friend and I traveled around Kenya straight out of Peace Corps, we crammed ourselves into overstuffed chicken busses, rode on the back of motorcycle taxis, bike taxis, and flew on tiny charter planes. Fortunately, we both hover at just over five-feet tall and were traveling with only a small carry on each, so we were able to squish, easily, into any mode of transportation that East Africa threw at us. Whether you’re roughing it while on safari in Kenya, or puttering around in a jeep with a guide, use our…

We’re in the business of making things better. When it comes to travel products, if we see a need we fill it. Creating products to help travelers save money and pack lighter has been our aim, but what about the travelers who like a little extra organization in their bag? Challenge accepted. Fred and Jeremy share their own experiences with packing organizers: the good, the bad, and the inspiration for bringing a new Tortuga product to the table. In This Episode 05:29 Packing organizers- Why use them? 09:45 Fred’s defense of packing cubes 16:27 The Grid-It 19:48 Fred’s…

Most companies that are just starting up are typically at a loss for knowledge and resources about how to shoot good product videos. Luckily, we’ve got a secret weapon: Jeremy. We’re sharing his knowledge and insight with you! In this half of our two-fold episode (check out part 1 here), Fred and Jeremy discuss techniques and tools for ways to make great product videos: places and times to get great shots, post-production tools, and more. You may want to grab a notepad and a pen for this one. Go ahead, we’ll wait. In This Episode 01:51 Keep it short 03:06 Cut the crap…

Recognizing that lumbar packs go by a variety of names around the world, not all of which are PC across cultures, we’ve decided to go with “bum bag” to describe the small waist bags that are carried low around the hips, in order to keep the international giggling to a minimum. When I showed up at the airport to meet my friend for a trip to Austin, she took one look at me and said, “That’s not a bum bag you’re carrying is it?” Oh yes, it was. The NorthFace Roo is one of my most trusted travel companions. I know what you’re thinking when you…

Want to take quality photos of a product, but don’t have gobs of cash? We’ve got you covered. Fred and Jeremy discuss tips for taking product photos of good quality, as well as ways to make this process more affordable. Tune in for helpful hints and hacks spanning from good gear and software to working with lighting and models. Also check out part 2 of this podcast for similar information on product videos. In This Episode 01:47 Tortuga updates 08:08 Equipment you’ll need: Camera 11:44 White Background 13:10 Jeremy’s magic lesson of film school 15:33 Cheap…

St Sixtus and Oswald Church - WildschÃ¶nau visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'St Sixtus and Oswald Church' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360Â° panoramas from Tirol.Panorama photographed by Malcolm Etherington who wrote:This is the parish church of Niederau which in 1409 was just a small gothic church that was later extended in 1499, and renovated in the baroque style around 1740. It is seen here decorated in preparation for Christmas.

Niederau Main Street - WildschÃ¶nau visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Niederau Main Street' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360Â° panoramas from Tirol.Panorama photographed by Malcolm Etherington who wrote:Niederau is a popular beginner's ski resort at the end of the WildschÃ¶nau valley in the Austrian Tirol. The panorama was taken in December.

Orthodox Church of Lappeenranta - Lappeenranta visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Orthodox Church of Lappeenranta' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360Â° panoramas from South Karelia.Panorama photographed by Mika Salmi who wrote:The Church of the Virgin Mary is the oldest orthodox church in Finland and is situated in the Fortress of Lappeenranta. There was a wooden church on the site as far back as 1742, the present church was completed in 1785. http://www.discoveringfinland.com/product/lappeenranta-orthodox-church/893/

View from Ramparts of the Fortress of Lappeenranta - Lappeenranta visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'View from Ramparts of the Fortress of Lappeenranta' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360Â° panoramas from South Karelia.Panorama photographed by Mika Salmi who wrote:Inhabited and full of life even today, the Fortress of Lappeenranta once formed part of a defence system that also included the fortress of Suomenlinna in Helsinki and the fortress of Hamina. More information:…

SA Water Mediterranean Garden - Adelaide visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'SA Water Mediterranean Garden' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360Â° panoramas from South Australia.Panorama photographed by klaus mayer who wrote:Panorama of the SA Water Mediterranean Garden in the Botanic Garden of Adelaide, South Australia. The SA Water Mediterranean Garden showcases plants from Mediterranean climates around the world. Plants from these climates have adapted to a climate which is seasonally dry with frequent fire. Many of these plants can…

With the recent release of “Big Hero 6” on Blu-ray, Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere, I have exciting news that will make you want to fly as high as Baymax. Our Adventures by Disney team wants you to know about a current sweepstakes opportunity that could send you and three guests on a quest to the captivating city of San Francisco, the inspiration for the film’s fictional city, “San Fransokyo”. From seeing expansive views of the San Francisco skyline to visiting a scenic vineyard in Napa Valley to discovering the magic of the Walt Disney Family Museum, this four-day,…

The Atlanta Braves return March 4 for spring training at Champion Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort – a fun outing in an old-fashioned stadium with throwback architecture to the golden era of baseball in the 1960s. And what’s a baseball game without a hot dog (and a cold brew?). This season the ESPN chefs have their own triple play with three new tastes on the menu. If it’s not a baseball game without a hot dog, try the new Fiesta Dog, a foot-long, all-beef hot dog smothered in nacho cheese, chili, shredded cheddar, lettuce, tomato and garnished…

I’m a huge fan of Disney Animation’s blockbuster hit “Frozen” and especially the ice queen, Elsa. However, we disagree on this: the cold does bother me. Anyway, with average temperatures of 78 degrees in Hawai‘i, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, is the perfect place to thaw out this spring. While vacationing in a tropical paradise, be sure to explore the 112 miles of shoreline along O‘ahu. This beautiful island features world-class shopping, dining, sightseeing and cultural activities. One of my favorite days during my first trip to Aulani was driving along the North Shore and…

There are many partners that we work with at Disney – but it’s no secret that “Wheel of Fortune” is one of our favorites, and we’re always thinking about new ways that we can work together. Disney Cruise Line has been featured on the show before. But, this week, two more exciting vacation destinations join for the very first time: Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa and Adventures by Disney! And with all three together, it’s Disney Sea & Shore Week on “Wheel”! I always tell you that I have the best job at Disney… and working on this production may have been the most fun…

Disneyland park just opened for the day, and one of the best things about being among the first in the park is the quiet and stillness you will find. There’s something about that feeling of having the park (almost) to yourself, seeing sights like a still and quiet Rivers of America. What is your favorite thing about being in Disneyland park when it first opens? Tell us in the comments! Good Morning from Rivers of America at Disneyland Park by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Registration for March’s Blogging U. courses is now closed, and both courses have started. Check back later in the month to learn more and register for April’s offerings! Blogging 101: Zero to Hero — March 2 – 20 Blogging 101 is three weeks of bite-size assignments that take you from “Blog?” to “Blog!” Every weekday, you’ll get a new assignment to help you publish a post, customize your blog, or engage with the community. Whether you’re just getting started or want to revive a dormant blog, we’ll help you build blogging habits and…

Happy Theme Thursday, all! Let’s dive right into a new free theme: Lyretail Designed by Mel Choyce, Lyretail is a stunning visual treat for your personal site. The theme puts your social presence front and center, displaying social links prominently below the site’s title and logo, so readers can easily find you on your favorite social networks. Secondary information, like a Custom Menu or Widgets, are tucked behind a convenient slide-down menu, while bold featured images grace the header, putting your photographs front and center. Read more about Lyretail on the Theme Showcase,…

WordPress for iOS version 4.8 comes with exciting editor and navigation enhancements. Visual Editor We’re thrilled to announce that the 4.8 release includes a beautiful new visual editor. With the new editor, you can add rich text like bold, italics, links, and lists naturally as you type. You can also insert images with a tap, seeing real-time uploading progress and images right in the post. Before New Editor App users have long wished for a “what you see is what you get” (WYSIWYG) editor on iOS. Until now, a rich mobile editing experience on the iOS app was reserved for those…

Over at The Daily Post, our first poetry-focused Blogging U. course, Writing 201: Poetry, has just entered its second week. It’s been a blast, with hundreds of poets sharing their work, experimenting with new forms, and commenting on their peers’ poems. After working hard on polishing their elegies, haiku, and ballads, most writers want to make sure their readers can enjoy their work to the fullest. This is where choosing the right theme can play an important role (this is true for non-poets too, of course): you want your posts to be readable, clean, and inviting. Here…

Several years ago, writer Ann Morgan noticed that she didn’t read much literature from countries outside of the United Kingdom and United States — and had yet to dive into stories from around the globe. From this realization, her blog, A Year of Reading the World, was born. You can read about Ann’s journey in her new book, Reading the World: Confessions of a Literary Explorer, available now in the UK. (The US version, The World Between Two Covers, will be released on May 4.) I chatted with Ann about the blog-to-book journey and her experience of reading and blogging about…

Words & Photos by Kelly Khong With thanks to the Entertainer for their dinner invitation to the Club Meatballs, it was a meat-licious night where diners can have a choice to mix-and-match between 5 types of meatballs, 5 types of sides and 5 types of sauces – a ballsy menu indeed. Located at China Square […]

Owing to its history as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, traders and students from the Arabic countries arrived in Xi’an 1,000 years ago. Locally known as the Hui ethnic people, they settled down on the present Moslem Street aka Huimin Street (回民街) or Muslim Quarter – now a must-visit of Xi’an for […]

With the Entertainer Singapore mobile app on hand, there’s so much to smile about. With hundreds of Buy-1-Get-1-Free offers from dining and leisure activities to spas and wellness in Singapore as well as free night offers at luxury hotel accommodations in worldwide destinations, we get to enjoy unbeatable savings 7-day a week, all year round […]

Enter the world of Doraemon and friends! The 100 Doraemon Secret Gadgets Expo is just across the border in Johor Bahru. From now till 4th Jan 2015, Doraemon fans can relive the fascinating memories of childhood with the blue robot cat at Johor Bahru City Square. Themed ‘Everyone wants a Doraemon!’, the Expo showcases the […]

TweetThe most popular question a travel agent ever hears is: “Do you get to travel for free?” The straight answer is absolutely not. Mostly myself and my professional colleagues invest in our business by getting to know the product so we can become more informed when you come seeking our advice. When we do produce […] Related posts: Talk to us before you click that Book Trip button The office of a Professional Travel Consultant who travels When is FREE better and when is it not

TweetLaura and I have an opportunity for you to win $100 cash! We want you to take The Flagg Agency with you on vacation. Are you up for the challenge? Look below for full details. This year we began giving our clients the lime green neon luggage handle grippers pictured above when they booked a […] Related posts: Where in the World was The Flagg Agency Guess the destination – WEEK TWO Twenty Undeniable Facts about The Flagg Agency

TweetI have just had the scariest middle of the night phone call I have ever received*. It was 1:40 in the morning and the ringing phone startled me awake. I couldn’t comprehend what was happening until I heard my wife’s voice on the machine. She was back in Atlanta the message began, and I jumped […] Related posts: The yin and yang of customer service at Delta Customer service your grandmother received To provide extraordinary customer service

TweetCarnival Cruise Line CEO Gerry Cahill held a press conference on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 to update reporters and families of those on board Carnival Triumph of the plans in place once the ship docks in Mobile. In addition, the general manager of the cruise terminal in Mobile, Alabama held a press conference today as […] Related posts: Our next dad and daughter cruise is a Carnival Dream away Day three of our dad and daughter cruise on Carnival Dream Navigating the cruise line WAVE season

TweetThis month, we are doing a very informal contest to give away a few of the items from our promotional closet. Last week, we posted a photo on our Facebook page and encouraged people to leave their guesses in the comments. Last Saturday, we had our daughter do the drawing while showing off the prizes. […] Related posts: Guess the destination – WEEK TWO Where in the World was The Flagg Agency We are looking for Facebook fans

SouthAmerica.travel relocates to the Central Business District in beautiful Seattle, Washington We’ve moved! SouthAmerica.travel 1904 3rd Ave, Suite 930 Seattle, WA 98101 Click here for directions (We validate parking!) To the left is the Securities Building, located along 3rd Avenue in downtown Seattle, WA. This is the stellar new home for the company headquarters of SouthAmerica.travel. For those […] The post SouthAmerica.travel Moves to New Seattle Office Location appeared first on South America Travel News Blog | A Travel Blog All About South America.

SouthAmerica.travel clients Terry & Sue recently explored the Southern Cone of South America on a trip that included a Patagonia cruise and time spent in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. Please enjoy the daily accounts of their adventures, as chronicled by Sue, who also took many lovely pictures. A huge thanks to Sue from her Travel […] The post Terry and Sue Explore the Southern Cone of South America appeared first on South America Travel News Blog | A Travel Blog All About South America.

One of the advantages of SouthAmerica.travel being well-connected throughout South America includes the opportunity to bring our customers savings at some of the most luxurious hotels on the continent. Thanks to our special relationship with the Belmond family of hotels, we are able to offer 5-star accommodations without the 5-star price tag. Read on to learn more about […] The post Luxury Savings at Belmond Copacabana, Das Cataratas Hotels appeared first on South America Travel News Blog | A Travel Blog All About South America.

Paraguay leads the world for the third consecutive year atop the Gallup Positive Experience Index, proving that South America is the Happiest Place on Earth! Move over, Disneyland, because South America may just be a happier place than even the Magical Kingdom itself! Once again, eight of the top 10 happiest nations in the world are […] The post South America is the Happiest Place on Earth appeared first on South America Travel News Blog | A Travel Blog All About South America.

I was lucky in my recent travels to explore Bolivia. Although not the most popular country to visit in South America, it is definitely one to add to your list. Bolivia is very diverse, from salt flats, deserts & lakes to lush jungles and cities with high elevations. This multi-ethnic country contains a wide variety of […] The post Travel Consultant Jennifer Explores Beautiful Bolivia appeared first on South America Travel News Blog | A Travel Blog All About South America.

The Cricket World Cup Scenario – Changed Cricket is one kind of a sport which can get one involved in it with great enthusiasm and thrill and for most of the cricket fans they tend to keep themselves updated on all the news, views, events and the forthcoming schedules. Cricket lovers tend to adjust all their schedules to fit in the time for the game greatly loved by them.The players on their part put in tons of hard work with their planning, scheduling, practices et all in giving their best shot in their performance which ultimately credits them with laurels for themselves as for their…

Holidays – A Break from Daily ScheduleHolidays means a getaway from the monotoic way of life which could take a toll on each ones’ life with the daily routines and Once in a while, taking a break is highly recommened. Usually it can be undertaken with family or friends, or couples on the look-out for some peace and serenity to relax and unwindthemselves. This break has an amazing effect on the mind and the overall health of an individual. Chennai is one of those amazing destinations and some of the luxury hotels in chennai cater to excellent services to their travellers. Viewers could…

Boston – Largest & Capital City in United StatesBoston is the largest and the capital city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in United States and serves as a county seat of Suffolk County. Being the largest city in New England, the proper city’s space covers around 48 square miles with an estimated population of 645,966 in the year 2014, thus making it the 24th largest city in United States.It is the anchor of a larger metropolitan area known as Greater Boston which is home to 4.5 million inhabitants as well as the tenth largest metropolitan location in the country. As a commuting…

When it's time for you to get in a great vacation, you want to ensure that you have the time of your life. With that idea in mind, it's important that you look for the following two characteristics when it's time for you to select a resort:1. Experience Within The Resort Industry.One of the most important things to look for when you're ready to go to a resort is how much experience the company has within the industry. Ideally, you want to book your vacation through a company that has years and years of experience. These types of companies typically know the industry thoroughly and their…

Charles Island – Mini DubaiCharles Island is the gateway to North Eleuthera and Harbour Island. It is located within the harbour of the settlement of Spanish Wells and has access to utilities as well as support facilities which is within its vicinity. Charles Island is presented as a `mini Dubai’ since it has the capabilities of mixed use luxury property which is quite huge with open zoning.Presently it is serviced by three electrical lines, telephone service and government water and any developer could be benefited from its amenities that have been offered by the Spanish Well’s…

There are certain places on this planet that seem almost like fiction. Unreachable destinations that you expect to only see in story books and documentaries. The Amazon Rainforest in northern Brazil was one of those places for me. So when I had the opportunity to come to Brazil, I wasn’t going to miss the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream. My experience began in the gateway city of Manaus, where the journey into the jungle proved to be a task unto itself… I took a taxi from the airport down to the city’s main harbor to catch a ferry across the Amazon River. We passed giant…

Recife is the capital of the Northeastern Brazilian State of Pernambuco. It has been called the “Venice of South America,” and also dubbed one of the most dangerous cities in Brazil. The beach in the Boa Viagem neighborhood is said to be the most shark infested water in the world, and Recife’s carnival celebration is ranked among the best anywhere. They say; don’t go in the water, don’t go out at night, but make sure you stay for carnival! With all these mixed reviews and emotions, I had to come to Recife and write my own story about this place. I spent time in…

Voted as one of the best places to live in Latin America, Curitiba has developed into a city that has made others green with envy. Boasting a well-oiled transit system and more parks than 101 Dalmatians could cover, the city is as efficient as it is refreshing. Five days in Curitiba and it lifted and shifted my perception of Brazilian cities completely. I explored the beautiful parks, walked around the city and crashed a few local parties that shaped my Curitiba experience in a great way. Read all about my Curitiba trip on the Visit Brasil blog, Crashing a Culinary Moment in Curitiba and Five…

Known for its giant rolling sand dunes and stellar kitesurfing conditions, Jericoacoara or “Jeri” as it’s known, is the coolest little beach town in Northeastern Brazil. It is a seven-hour journey from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara via public transportation (five hours in a private car), but as I mention in the video, that distance is par for the course when traveling anywhere here in Brazil. No matter the distance, I knew I made the right decision as soon as the sun shined on my first morning on Prea Beach. I woke up with the cool ocean breeze blowing through the open beach…

When I asked Brazilian friends on places I should visit while traveling in southwestern Brazil, the overwhelming response was always Bonito. The small town of just over 17,000 people is tucked away in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul and is one of the most popular Brazilian tourist destinations in the region. Famous for its abundance of natural beauty, including wildlife, waterfalls and crystal-clear rivers, Bonito, is one of the best outdoor adventure spots I’ve ever visited. On day one I rented a bike from town and road through the countryside to two different eco…

We are celebrating 13 women in black history who challenged social norms, broke boundaries and pursued wild dreams to experience the world.... To read this and other travel stories, visit BrownGirlsFly.

I left Chicago on what was started off as a 35-day “round the world” adventure to seven countries on three continents. But, I forgot that crossing the international dateline means you get to re-live a day. And, when the airline cancelled my flight back to Chicago, I decided to linger in ... To read this and other travel stories, visit BrownGirlsFly.

We love books that expose children to the world at an early age. So, when we discovered the international alphabet book M is for Marrakech, and learned it was created by a brown girl living abroad, we had to hear the rest of the story. Dr. Tamara Pizzoli shared how she faced a life-changing moment, ... To read this and other travel stories, visit BrownGirlsFly.

Adedana Ashebir is a young, Ethiopian-American woman who's lived in 7 countries and speaks Spanish and Mandarin. This global soul -- and the ease with which she travels the world -- are pure inspiration. Enjoy the interview!... To read this and other travel stories, visit BrownGirlsFly.

Having been raised on the coast, there's no surprise my travels revolve around the sea. Here are 5 of the most fabulous turquoise beach destinations I've seen.... To read this and other travel stories, visit BrownGirlsFly.

Book before March 31st, 2015 and stay at one of those properties to receive a special offer: Forest Hill 11, Coconut Grove 8, Bananaquit and Summerland Villa 103. Contact Island Villas at reservations@island-villas.com or (0)80 0097 0886 (UK) / (866) 978-8499 (US) to book.

40% Discount On All Two Bedroom Deluxe Suites!! Travel May 8 - June 30 2015 and receive 40% discount! Both Suites are oceanfront with air-conditioning, full kitchen, free WiFi, two bathrooms with a Jacuzzi tub. Booking window ends April 30th 2015.

Travel March 01 - April 15 2015 And Receive 15% Discount on all rooms! Our rooms are oceanfront with balconies and offer complimentary WiFi,cable television, air-conditioning and daily maid service. A minimum stay of three nights is required.

Now that we have a library full of helpful travel tips, destination guides, travel stories and more that’s nearly 300 articles strong we thought it was about time to list our top 10 tips for The Single Dude. This is just a brief summary, be sure to follow the links to get all the details on how best to make these tips work for you. Escape the corporate prison. Let’s face it, you aren’t free, you can’t travel and you can’t enjoy life if you’re chained to a cubical inside some corporate prison. You’ve got to escape! Move abroad. The US and many other…

When I first discovered Fiverr it seemed like a pretty cool concept. There is all this shit you can get somebody to do for just $5. It also seems like a nice way to make some quick cash for a Single Dude Traveler, at least I thought so until I figured out how much of a cut they take. A whopping 20% to be exact, or at least that’s what they want you to believe. The reality is they are taking 30% on all $5 gigs and they’re doing it in a super dishonest fashion. As a seller, when you sell a standard $5 gig, this is what you see: What fiverr shows sellers Exactly what you would expect…

What a perfect analogy for what a shitty, overbearing, tyrannical disaster the US has become. It’s hard to laugh about such a serious topic but it’s either laugh or cry. It’s time for decent, intelligent, thinking people to jump ship. Soon it might be too late.

We’ve discussed the obesity epidemic in the US and the western world in general over, and over, and over, and over. It seems like it just keeps getting worse and worse. We used to question “Fat Acceptance” but now I can’t help but wonder aloud, is “Fat Encouragement” the new movement in the west? Is this really the way we want to encourage future generations to live their lives? According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), United States has already rocketed past an obesity rate of one third of the population with an overall obesity rate of 34.9% (or…

Cody Wilson: a name every red blooded, freedom loving citizen, not just of America but of the World, ought to know. Before the age of 30 this man has done more for freedom and the libertarian movement than anyone I can think of and it would appear he’s just getting started. He is a true hero of his generation. Defense Distributed, Dark Wallet (to be fair, Cody is a co-founder and there are many others involved) and disband.it are all projects that freedom lovers the world over should familiarize themselves with and support. Let’s take a brief look at what these projects are and…

While it certainly won’t be like your previous, pre-baby trips to New York, taking a baby to New York City is more fun than you might think. Likely your shoe shopping and Cosmopolitan consumption will wane in favor of walks in the park and fancy cupcakes, but if you love New York, you’ll still love New York with a baby. And while on previous trips to New York you may have been ok with couch surfing, hostel diving, or staying in a New York Hotel that’s off the beaten path, chances are you’d rather keep things comfortable for yourselves and baby while you’re…

He said it was his dream of his whole life. When you’re five, I guess that’s a pretty big dream. I didn’t even know he knew what snowboarding was and I wasn’t thrilled that he revealed said dream by taking off in a busy Sportchek in the midst of post-holiday sales madness, but I was just so relieved to have found him. The fact that we left the store snowboard-less also did not go over well, but it did plant the idea for a long weekend getaway to help us get through winter. Someone wants a snowboard. A photo posted by Corinne McDermott (@havebabywilltravel) on Dec 26,…

Outside the New York Public Library New York City is one of the most visited cities in the world, but it’s probably not your first choice for a family vacation. But after a recent amazing long weekend in Manhattan, I want to shout from the rooftops how wonderful visiting New York with babies and children actually is. When you’re planning a trip with children, you need to consider eating, sleeping, playing, and getting around. We’ve already covered eating and sleeping in New York with kids, and now here are five more tips that cover playing and getting around New York with…

Many many thanks to Manuela Anamaria for sharing this awesome travel story with us. Machu Picchu (or as Bub likes to call it, “Nacho Picchu”) and hiking the Inca Trail are inexplicably on my bucket list, even though I’m afraid of heights and don’t like camping Please join me in being inspired by Manuela and her quest for her daughter to be the world’s most travelled baby — are you ready to visit Machu Picchu with a toddler?! Manuela Anamaria and her family… Machu Picchu for us was a long time dream, a dream we knew would have to wait with the…

Empire State Daddy Our recent trip to New York City raised a few eyebrows. People were genuinely surprised that we grown-ups would have any fun in New York. What was so refreshing about that trip was that as a family we could embrace being tourists and actually do and see touristy things that I was simply “too cool” to do before. The kids loved New York, and we loved seeing it through their eyes for the first time. Nevertheless, New York City can be overstimulating for adults as well as kids. If you’re planning a trip, finding flights to New York is the easy part. Have Baby…

A couple videos represents Ireland beautifully; The Sounds Of The Wild Atlantic Way: Solomon Grey drove down the West-Coast of Ireland recording the sounds and people they met along the way. Their aim was to compose a unique score to this inspirational coastline The Garden of Ireland Wonderful views of around Wicklow Seen from the sky: The Wild Atlantic Way When land meets sea and nature and beauty collide, the result is a varied and majestic coastline, unique to the West of Ireland. Witness the Wild Atlantic Way’s sweeping sandy beaches, sheer cliffs, ancient forts and rocky outcrops from…

The Boyne Valley Drive is a scenic route that follows the Boyne River through counties Louth and Meath. What makes this drive remarkable, is the fact that the attractions along the route cover 9,000 years of history! In comparison to routes such as the Wild Atlantic Way, the Boyne Valley Route is a lot more accessible to tourists on the East Coast of Ireland, and in total measures only 220km long. In total, the route visits 22 historic attractions along the way while also visiting towns such as Drogheda, Navan, Old Castle, Trim, Slane Village and Kells. Among the top highlights is the…

Christmas markets have been popular on the Continent since Christianity first hit Europe, and Ireland has a very long and ancient tradition of markets in general. However, it is only relatively recently that the concept of a ‘Christmas Market’ has really begun to take off in Ireland. Ireland’s Christmas markets are great places, packed with atmosphere, great products, and good cheer. If these don’t get you in the festive spirit, nothing will! Dublin Dublin has a few Christmas markets – the Docklands Christmas festival has been going for nine years, while relative…

www.irishcarrentals.com + 353 61 206025 Irish Car Rentals provides car & van rental service to clients and customers in Ireland with a large fleet of over 2,500 to cater their needs. Irish Car Rentals carry a full range of cars & vans from economy, compact to people carriers and the fleet is supplied by Europcar. Irish Car Rentals was founded in 1984 and have been operating car rental business for over 29 years becoming Ireland’s leading independent car hire company. The office’s headquaters is based in North Dublin, Santry and has a network of…

Every year about this time, New Orleans slips into a beautiful period when the cold winds subside and the heat hasn’t quite made it to our doorstep. When this magical moment happens, grab your friends and hit up some great local shops and discover your new favorite picnic spot in NOLA. Both Breakwater Park and Lakeshore Drive offer sweeping views … Read the rest -» The post New Orleans Picnic Guide appeared first on GoNOLA.com.

It’s one of the most difficult choices you’ll make all weekend: where should I eat brunch? Since New Orleans brunch is a serious thing, and delicious restaurant options in this town are plentiful, this decision can be a tough one. Knowing what kind of brunch you like can help narrow down the options. Do you like to booze it up … Read the rest -» The post Take the GoNOLA New Orleans Brunch Quiz appeared first on GoNOLA.com.

New Orleans taps into its balletic history this weekend. As one of the very first cities to introduce ballet into theaters, New Orleans also was home to Suzanne Douvillier, the first female choreographer in the United States. Dancers and spectators can enjoy the Fleur de Lis Semi-Finals Ballet Competition starting Friday; on Saturday, the New Orleans Ballet Association presents New … Read the rest -» The post GoNOLA Recommends: 5 Things to Do in New Orleans This Weekend appeared first on GoNOLA.com.

“I took my first ballet class at New Orleans Dance Academy on Magazine Street when I was 13,” said Edward Spots, a former dancer with Alvin Ailey II who has recently moved back to New Orleans to build up the dance community in his hometown. Photo: courtesy of Edward Spots Spots’s interest in dance was first sparked when he attended … Read the rest -» The post My New Orleans: 20 Questions with Edward Spots appeared first on GoNOLA.com.

In a culinary rich city like New Orleans, every meal you’ll eat will most likely be fantastic. But there’s no meal quite as important as the one that starts your day, whether you’re curing a case of the late nights or fueling your mind and body for a fun-filled day exploring the city. Whatever Crescent City neighborhood you find yourself … Read the rest -» The post Top 10 Best New Orleans Breakfast Spots by Neighborhood appeared first on GoNOLA.com.

Those who are seeking the Italian Renaissance, need only look upon the palaces, buildings and squares of Florence for each of them are masterpieces. You Might Also Enjoy: 5 Ways to Experience... Come to Vagobond to read the rest - it's better with pictures!!!!

by Tom McShane We all know that Valentine’s Day is kind of a big deal – 141 million cards are exchanged worldwide and, in the UK alone, more than £1.3bn is spent each year on cards, gifts, flowers... Come to Vagobond to read the rest - it's better with pictures!!!!

If you’re looking for something new in a ski holiday destination, then you would be hard pressed to find anything better than Germany. Previously seen as the poor relation in the winter skiing... Come to Vagobond to read the rest - it's better with pictures!!!!

A friend asked me recently what I’d like to do for my next adventure. A whole slew of things crossed my mind – a sailing voyage, a big game photo safari, an Antarctic exploration –... Come to Vagobond to read the rest - it's better with pictures!!!!

Photos by Dave Stamboulis A country steeped in faith and spiritual history, Sri Lanka is home to a host of edifying locations and places of transcendental inspiration. Magnificent structures, some... Come to Vagobond to read the rest - it's better with pictures!!!!

Our 11 most popular Instagram photos last month are mostly of wintry Oslo, but not all. Here they are: 1. In Drammen, close to home, is an abandoned copper mine. Took me years to finally visit. 2. Love the blue hour in winter; this is the National Theatre in Oslo. 3. Hopping south to Berlin for a bit, here’s the ruin of Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche (Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church). 4. Back in Oslo, Wenche Foss is a beloved Norwegian actress remembered here outside the National Theatre. 5. Early morning outside the University of Oslo. Looks inviting,…

Wondering where to stay in Dubai? Where to eat and hang-out at night? Well, wonder no more. Here are my faves in all three categories: Eat Sass Café. In 2014, this sassy (pun intended) Monaco-restaurant opened up in Dubai’s financial district to rave reviews. I loved the red, plush interior, mellow piano music, divine food (the burrata is delicious – and try the chocolate cigars for dessert) and drinks to die for. The skilled bartenders have a trick: they ask you which spirits you don’t like, then take on the challenge of creating a drink with just that spirit that…

Petrol pump left behind at the abandoned Soviet settlement Pyramiden in the Svalbard archipelago Silent Sunday: Petrol pump left behind, Pyramiden in the Svalbard Archipelago is a post from Sophie's World

On 31 October 1517, my birthday as a matter of fact, a disgruntled professor of theology posted 95 theses on the door of the castle church in Wittenberg. And thus began the Reformation. The Holy Roman Empire was shaken to its core and the Christian Church split in two. Protestantism was born The original door burnt down and was replaced in the mid-1800s. What we can see today is a reproduction of the theses in bronze, at the very same castle church in Wittenberg. In addition to the castle church, the world heritage site includes the house of Philipp Melanchthon (Luther’s co-reformer),…

Saving money is always a major consideration when it comes to buying or booking anything. Whether it’s a new car, finding cheaper insurance, food shopping, basically anything, if you can save money then you’re always going to be happier as a result. Holiday shopping is exactly the same, and booking a great deal will give you a boost of energy, allowing you to look forward to your time away without having to worry so much about how to pay for it. Saving at this point will also give you more to spend whilst you’re away. This brings to mind the argument of whether booking your holiday DIY…

One of the best things about travelling and going on holiday is the different food that you get to sample that contains local and ingredients. Here we walk you through some of the best street food that is found across the globe. Check out the MyBreakTrip blog for other amazing articles like this one. Jerk Chicken ( Jamaica ) Jerk chicken has become a household dish served up all over the world, but you will never have jerk chicken like you get cooked for you on the streets of Jamaica. Up and down the coast and tucked away down the narrow streets you will find restaurants serving up chicken…

Recognised as one of the most awe-inspiring natural phenomena of our planet, millions of people go in search of the Aurora Borealis every year. Desperate to enjoy the dancing greens, yellows and purples above the Northern Hemisphere skies, beauty-lovers travel the length of the planet to witness the sight. Here we explore five of the most beautiful cities in which to enjoy the Northern Lights. Reykjavik One of the most affordable and accessible places to see the Northern Lights, the capital of Iceland provides a stunning setting for the event. There is plenty to do during the day in Reykjavik…

When I was looking for a specific region of Brazil to visit, it was hard to avoid the obvious choices. It would have been real easy to say, here I come, since I could have easily spent a couple days there and then jumped over to Sao Paulo. The Amazon Rainforest was another obvious choice, but I am not a huge fan of snakes, bugs, or piranha for that matter. Then I came across an incredible picture, and I knew that I would have to dictate my trip around what I had just seen. After doing a little bit more research, I knew my trip would have to begin in Salvador. Salvador Pelourinho We landed in…

New Zealand has long been the haunt of the young travelers heading off to find adventure, memorable experiences and an adrenaline rush. Whether you are traveling on your own or with friends or family, one of the things you need to consider is how you will get around the country. There are two main options: jumping on a tour bus or hiring a car. The decision can affect both your budget and your experience of the country so it is important to weigh up the options. The Kiwi Experience When choosing a tour operator, ensure they are reputable and experienced. Kiwi Experience is the leading…

How to be Successful with Email Marketing 101 The previous three articles in the “Email Marketing 101″ series dealt with three core concepts: Why you should be email marketing; When to start email marketing; and How to start email marketing. But email marketing isn’t an end point, or a static goal. It’s an ongoing process. While automation can and does yield significant benefits, you still have to make certain commitments to be successful. If, however, you’re an avid blogger or content marketer, meeting these commitments isn’t going to be a big deal. To…

How to Start with Email Marketing Honestly: Don’t over think it. Sending blog updates by email is not only great, but also very much good enough – you’re saving your blog’s subscribers the time and effort to remember to go back to your site. Your content is already great, and now people have invited you to send it to them whenever you write. That’s what they want; so go ahead. Give it to them. Here’s how you get started: Choose a reputable, supported email service (because nobody wants to end up being labeled spammer, right? Right). Behave well, always (ALWAYS) use dual opt-in,…

When to Start Email Marketing In the previous Email Marketing 101 post, I talked about why email marketing is vital. Today I’ll talk about when - when to start your email marketing efforts. Good news! It’s a one word answer: Now. No, I’m serious. Don’t delay because “I’m not big enough” or “I don’t have enough traffic.” You simply don’t know when and which subscriber will be the one that buys from you, spreads the word about you, or invests in you. Look at it this way. As you start out, you’re building pages; thinking about SEO; looking at analytics. You’re…

Why Email When you think about building your site for the first time, you’re probably also thinking about your Facebook presence. After all, that’s where the people are, right? OK, that makes sense at a superficial level. But there are two problems with emphasizing platforms like Facebook instead of your own site and your own list: Facebook owns Facebook. Building your online presence on someone else’s digital turf which they adjust to please themselves (and not you) is risky. Facebook stinks for engagement. “Stinks” – a bit strong, you say? Well, according to…

[Bear with me -- this isn't a sports piece] Wow – that was quite the game. As a Patriots fan living in New England I was very, very vested in the outcome, and I’m obviously happy with the result. But it was a darned close call. As those last few plays unfolded, there was the amazingly lucky catch that put the Seahawks at 1st and 6. Then, out of nowhere, New England got “lucky” twice: Firstly, when Seattle tried an unnecessarily high risk play just to waste time, and secondly when the rookie intercepted the ball, effectively securing victory for New England. Three…

Welcome to the Top 100 Travel Blog Posts of 2014 as shared on Social Media! I wanted to curate a list of travel blog posts that did well last year, and thought since so many PR companies and tourism boards are placing more and more emphasis on social media, I figured that would be a good place to start. I canvassed as many travel bloggers as I could reach via email, Facebook, and Twitter — I even wrote a post soliciting submissions. The result was pretty overwhelming, and I received almost 500 submissions. From “listicles” to long reads, and from food to photography, the…

Top 100 Travel Blog Posts of 2014 by Social Shares If you’re not a blogger, you’ll probably want to skip over this. So here are some pretty pictures of cats instead. If you are a travel blogger, read on… I’m in the process of compiling a list of The Top Travel Blog Posts of 2014 by Social Shares, and I’d love for you to participate. If you’ve had a travel blog post that’s done exceptionally well on social media in 2014, I hope you’d like to submit it for consideration for the list. Your article must have been published between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014 to be…

War is not sexy, and museums dedicated to it even less so. All things considered, It’s hard to pull off a good war museum, if not downright impossible. It’s got to be interesting. It’s got to be interactive. And it’s got to do its job — honour the fallen, while informing and enlightening the masses. But perhaps above all this, its got to avoid being boring. The Warsaw Uprising Museum (Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego) succeeds in all of these. I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t know much about the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. Okay, I’ll be honest, I…

Cat City, Kuching, Borneo, Malaysia “The cat could very well be man’s best friend but would never stoop to admitting it.” — Doug Larson The city of Kuching may not have been literally built by cats, but its certainly built its tourism reputation on the backs of them. Cat statues, cat souvenirs, and cat attractions inhabit a remarkable amount of real estate here. In fact, you can’t swing a dead cat without hitting something feline-themed. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist that one.) Even though I am not a cat person (I come from a long line of dog folk), I do…

Mug Shots is an interview series with real-life escape artists — folks who have left behind a traditional 9 to 5 job, whether for a short time or a lifetime. 1. Who are you, and what was your great escape? My name is Daniel Baylis. I’m a writer and adventurer. A couple years ago, I took an entire year to go explore the world. Over the course of 12 months I visited 12 different countries (one per month) and attempted to find meaningful ways to engage with the communities I was visiting. 2. How did you go about planning your escape? Financial planning was the most crucial element of my…

So you’ve heard of a room with a view, right? Well we’re about to take that to a whole new level – a 360° view level – with the LateRooms.com Bubble. ‘Clearly’ the best hotel going, LateRooms.com is giving YOU the chance to stay in the LateRooms.com Bubble at a UK event, occasion or location of your choice. Want to set up right outside the ground of your favourite football team? Fancy plonking yourself on top of a mountain? Or maybe you’d rather the bubble than a tent at an upcoming festival? The choice is yours to spend an exclusive…

In this week’s #FreeStayFriday, we’re popping up north to Harrogate, for a stay at the 300 year-old: Crown Hotel Situated a stroll away from the shops, bars, boutiques and train station, the Crown Hotel is in the perfect setting for a mini getaway. If the endless tea rooms on your doorstep don’t tickle your fancy, then the room service or the homemade cakes will definitely do the trick. So, if you’d like to win a one-night stay here with breakfast for two people, make sure youjoin in this week’s #FreeStayFriday Here’s a reminder of how you can get…

In around 7 years’ time Qatar will be at the centre of global attention when it hosts the 2022 World Cup. Yet this tiny Gulf state is largely ignored by international visitors and its capital Doha remains relatively unknown as a city break destination. With Qatar Airways building its business around flying European travellers to Australia and Asia, more and more people are passing through its shiny new airport on their way to their holiday destinations. So is it worth breaking your journey in Doha to have a look around? Or if a Doha layover is already on the cards, how can you make the…

Looking for a way to entertain the kids this half term? Fortunately, London is full of sanity-saving ways to keep them busy. Some you might even enjoy yourself! So whether you’re after an educational trip that won’t bore them into causing merry mischief, or an activity day that’s fun for all the family (and conveniently tires them out for an early night), here’s our list of the top 20 things to do with the children in London this half term: Diana, Princess of Wales’ Memorial Playground at Kensington Gardens Cost: Free / Nearest Tube: Queensway Do your kids love to…

Athens. It’s just about the Acropolis, right? Wrong. There’s so much to do in this Greek capital beyond a pilgrimage to Parthenon. Kirstie Pelling from The Family Adventure Project spent 24 hours in Athenian wonderland… You know that old joke “What did the Romans do for us?” Well, you could just as well apply it to the Greeks. You start out at The Acropolis and you are soon led off down myriad conversational paths; philosophy, drama, Gods, Olympics, sculpture, moussaka, baklava, Ayia Napa? It’s pretty much the same when you visit the country’s capital. With your back to…

Check out some great Midwest-related stories I found online this past month: Omaha's Ford Birthplace and Garden honors nation's 38th President-Michigan proudly claims President Gerald R. Ford as a favorite son, but few people realize that he was actually born in Omaha, Nebraska. Although he spent only a couple of weeks in his birthplace, the city still fondly remembers his life and accomplishments with several memorial tributes set in a beautiful garden. Check it out with Tim and Lisa at The Walking Tourists blog. Another tribute to President Ford, his gravesite in Michigan UW Geology Museum,…

Here is an image I captured during a shoot with the Motor City Camera Club at St. Hugo of the Hills Church in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. This particular image is a portion of one of the stained glass windows in the church's older sanctuary, a beautiful Gothic-styled building which still stands near the church's more modern late 1960s era sanctuary. We visited both church buildings on the same day, but most of my favorite images from this shoot came from the historic church building. Pieces of Color placed second in the Digital Photo competition assigned topic (Glass & Chrome/Beaches)…

Farmers markets, grocery stores, hardware stores, indie book stores and other local spots are among our favorite places to go souvenir shopping when we're on the road in the Midwest. Here's another edition of Midwest Market Basket feature about some of our favorite Midwest products, shopping discoveries and where to find them. Today's featured shopping spot is, appropriately enough, The Market Basket in Beulah, Michigan We always make time to stop here before we head home from visiting the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore and Traverse City so we can take a little taste of northwestern…

Sandusky, Ohio marked an important step in the journey of many enslaved people using the Underground Railroad to make their way across Lake Erie and on into Canada, and freedom, during the mid-1850s. Sandusky's lakefront today Check out my story, National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, about the importance of several Sandusky sites along the Freedom Trail and their recent designation as official stops along the National Park Service's National Underground Network to Freedom Trail at the Ohio Tourism's Discovering Ohio blog. Want to learn more about the Underground Railroad?

One of our favorite styles of stays when we're on the road is a bed-and-breakfast inn, and our recent stay at the Sleeping Bear Bed and Breakfast in Empire, Michigan perfectly fit the bill as a beautifully serene post-holiday getaway in the area named the "Most Beautiful Place in America" by tens of thousands of viewers of ABC's the popular "Good Morning America" in 2011. Susan and Van Wilson welcome guests year round to their home in a rambling late-nineteenth-century farmhouse on four rolling acres of farmland just a few miles down the road from the main visitors' center for the Sleeping…

Over the weekend, I met with a good friend of mine that I haven’t seen in a while. We had studied together at college, and he and I often partnered up to do group projects and lab work, so strictly saying, he’s someone I consider fundamental to my life experience. Like any two people our age, we started talking about our jobs and the changes that have happened since we’ve graduated. And that got me thinking about this whole process. When I got hired for my current job in June 2013, I had had a bit of work experience under my belt. It wasn’t anything special, but at…

I already dislike shopping. It’s something I will only do when there’s a sale or I truly need something. I’m nowhere near the skinny end of the spectrum so finding things that fit me and make me comfortable is a bit hard. So you can imagine when I found out that the majority of the nicer purchases I’ve made in the past year or so have been “magically” disappearing into a suitcase that I can’t open until I’m married. Think of it as a time capsule if you want. A time capsule of things that when worn or used make you a “married woman.”…

Two months of the year down, ten to go! Time surely does fly by quickly. But at least, after two weeks of storms, the sun came up and we got to enjoy some good, but a bit cold, weather here in Beirut. I can only hope this means Spring will be nice and enjoyable. Focus Isn’t All That Bad For some reason, earlier this week, my mom had tickets for the premiere of Will Smith’s new film Focus and seeing that we haven’t done something together in a long time, went to see it. I didn’t really know what it was about before we went, even thinking it was going to be heavy on…

We tend to take things for granted when we’re single and living with our parents- especially when it comes to things we use on a daily basis: plates, cups, towels, even curtains and what not. But when you’re going to get married and are building a home from scratch, that’s when you begin to realize, “oh wow, that costs a lot more than I ever expected.” Like I’ve mentioned, a lot goes into a house, and it’s not just the big pieces of furniture, which in our case, we seemed to clear out pretty quickly. The smaller things are the ones that are and…

It’s been a long morning. I keep hearing the sounds of drills and hammers ringing in my ears because today we are installing several new items in the house. And we’ve been here for hours and nowhere near done. It would’ve taken much, much longer if we had actually gotten everything we ordered today. Way way back in October, we found a really nice (and huge) TV unit and bookcase. Both fit our planned design for the living room but we still needed to put up the aircondition and paint the walls. So we put the items on hold until those things were done. Flash forward to…